Massive splenomegaly is not seen in: September 2008
**Core Concept**
Splenomegaly refers to the enlargement of the spleen, which can result from various causes including infections, hematological disorders, and systemic diseases. Massive splenomegaly is a significant enlargement of the spleen, often exceeding 20 cm in diameter.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Splenomegaly occurs due to the accumulation of abnormal cells, substances, or fluid within the spleen. Massive splenomegaly is typically seen in conditions such as lymphomas, chronic myeloid leukemia, and cirrhosis with portal hypertension. These conditions lead to an increase in splenic size due to the infiltration of malignant cells or the obstruction of splenic blood flow.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect as lymphomas, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma, are known to cause massive splenomegaly due to the infiltration of malignant lymphocytes into the spleen.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect as chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder that can cause massive splenomegaly due to the overproduction of myeloid cells.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect as cirrhosis with portal hypertension can cause massive splenomegaly due to the obstruction of splenic blood flow and the subsequent congestion of the spleen.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that massive splenomegaly can be a sign of an underlying malignancy or systemic disease, and a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the cause.
**Correct Answer:** C.