What is a common complication associated with spherocytosis?

In the context of spherocytosis, splenomegaly is a well-recognized complication. Spherocytosis, which is often due to hereditary spherocytosis, involves the production of abnormally shaped red blood cells that are prone to hemolysis (breakdown) in the spleen. The spleen often enlarges as it works harder to filter out these abnormal red blood cells.

Symptoms can include anemia due to the destruction of red blood cells, but splenomegaly is the most direct consequence of the increased work the spleen undergoes due to the presence of spherocytes. Over time, this enlargement can also lead to further complications such as abdominal pain and an increased risk of splenic rupture.

Cholecystitis and biliary colic may be seen more commonly in patients with chronic hemolytic anemia due to gallstones formed from excess bilirubin from hemolysis, but they are not direct complications of spherocytosis itself. Therefore, emphasizing splenomegaly captures the more frequent and direct sequela of spherocytosis, aligning with the pathology involved.