Splenic irradiation for the treatment of hypersplenism from congestive splenomegaly.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of splenic irradiation in relieving symptoms and hematological disorders that accompanying hypersplenism from congestive splenomegaly in cirrhotic patients secondary to chronic viral hepatitis and if the presence of platelet-associated immunoglobulins (AIgs ) can affect the degree of thrombocytopenic recovery in these patients.Patients, Methods: Forty patients with hypersplenism from congestive splenomegaly subjected to splenic irradiation 20 Gy, 1 Gy / fraction biweekly using 3D conformal irradiation to protect surround structure. All patients were evaluated as regard clinical response, hematological parameters and splenic size before, during and after splenic irradiation. Quantitative assay of Platelet associated immunoglobulins ( PAIgs ) by flowcytometry was done before beginning of radiotherapy. Results: The radiation dose which used in this study induced a remarkable improvement as regard pain and thrombocytopenia,especially in cases with negative PAIgs, slight reduction of splenic size occurred. No considerable effect on anemia or leucopenia, there was no serious complications due to radiotherapy during treatment or follow up periods. Conclusion: Splenic irradiation could alleviate some symptoms and hematological disorders and that associate congestive hypersplenism in cirrhotic patients secondary to chronic viral hepatitis. [Eman Ismail, Hanaa Abdelmoety, Manal M. Elgerby and Hoda Abden. Splenic Irradiation in the Treatment of Hypersplenism from Congestive Splenomegaly. Life Sci J 2012;9(3):1121-1126]. (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 155