Splenic Infarction Causes and Associated Factors

Thromboembolic and Infectious Causes

Infective endocarditis with valvular vegetations occurs in 40% of left-sided endocarditis cases, though only 5% progress to splenic abscess, according to the American College of Cardiology 1
Emboli typically lodge 3-10 cm distal to the origin of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and more than 20% of SMA emboli are associated with concurrent emboli to the spleen and kidney, as reported by the World Journal of Emergency Surgery 2
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with splenomegaly and splenic infarction, as noted by the American College of Physicians 3

Splenic vein thrombosis (mesenteric venous thrombosis) accounts for less than 10% of mesenteric infarction cases and follows Virchow's triad, according to the World Journal of Emergency Surgery 2
Vasculitis affecting splenic vessels can cause splenic infarction, as reported by the World Journal of Emergency Surgery 2
Mesenteric dissection, mycotic aneurysm, and anatomic abnormalities of the splenic vasculature are also associated with splenic infarction, according to the World Journal of Emergency Surgery 2

Splenic trauma with vascular injury can cause infarction through direct vascular disruption, as noted by the World Journal of Emergency Surgery 4, 5
Angioembolization procedures can cause intentional or unintentional embolization during therapeutic interventions, with major infarctions occurring in 3.7-28.5% of cases, according to the World Journal of Emergency Surgery 5
Post-surgical states, including splenectomy complications or bariatric surgery, can increase the risk of splenic infarction, as reported by the World Journal of Emergency Surgery 2
Cardiopulmonary bypass during cardiac surgery is also a risk factor for splenic infarction, according to the World Journal of Emergency Surgery 2

Oral contraceptive use can cause acquired thrombophilia, increasing the risk of splenic infarction, as noted by the World Journal of Emergency Surgery 2
Inflammatory bowel disease can cause associated thrombotic complications, including splenic infarction, according to the World Journal of Emergency Surgery 2