Description of Specimen
This is a portion of a very considerably enlarged spleen, brick-red in colour, and showing on the
reverse surface, at the apex of the specimen, a small infarct.
History
This man presented with a myeloproliferative disorder in 1974, and the diagnosis was
established as chronic myeloid leukaemia. His condition deteriorated, and he became leucopenic,
anaemic and thrombocytopenic and, for this reason, the spleen was removed. On removal, it was
found to weigh 4454 g. and to be diffusely infiltrated by neoplastic cells of a granulocytic series.
He died from this disease a few weeks later.