Splenic Hydatid Cyst- A Case Report

Abstract

Asymptomatic hydatid cyst presents as an incidental finding. It is caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The liver is known to be involved organ, while the spleen is rarely involved. Hydatid cyst of the spleen should be considered as one of the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with left hypochondriac pain.This poses a clinical challenge. The decision on conservation or surgery is also a dilemma. To decrease incidence of Overwhelming Postsplenectomy Infection (OPSI) for elective splenectomy, vaccination protocol should be followed. It is important for the clinician to bear in mind the possibility of incidental asymptomatic splenic hydatid cyst and management protocols. Authors, hereby reports, a case of 26-year-old lady with complain of left hypochondriac pain, diagnosed with Ultrasound Sonography (USG) and Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) scan as splenic hydatid cyst. The patient underwent splenectomy after completion of vaccination to avoid OPSI. At six month follow-up the patient was asymptomatic.

Keywords

• abdominal pain
• left hypochondriac lump
• overwhelming postsplenectomy infection