Primary splenic hydatidosis

Abstract

Primary extrahepatic hydatid cysts are rare, and primary splenic hydatid cysts even more so, constituting 2% to 3.5% of all hydatid cysts. We report here a case series of isolated splenic hydatid cysts. Case records of 382 adult patients of abdominal hydatid cysts were analyzed; eight of them (2%; aged 23 to 45 years, 5 women and 3 men) had primary splenic hydatid cysts. Seven patients presented with dull dragging pain in the left hypochondrium. Four patients had splenomegaly. Diagnosis was made at ultrasonography and/or contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for hydatid antibodies tested positive in all patients. One patient presented with hemoperitoneum. All patients underwent splenectomy. Primary splenic hydatid cyst is rare but should be considered in patients with cystic lesions of the spleen.

Spontaneous giant splenic hydatid cyst rupture causing fatal anaphylactic shock: A case report and brief literature review

“…Splenic hydatid cyst occurs in 1.5-3.5% of all cases of abdominal echinococcosis across all ages and in both sexes (1,(3)(4)(5)(7)(8)(9). SHCs usually coexist with liver hydatid cysts (secondary); however, in some cases, the spleen is the primary location (4,10).…”

“…The most common clinical signs and symptoms are splenomegaly, abdominal lump, dull dragging ache, dyspepsia, constipation due to pressure on the colon, and dyspnea due to pushing up of the left diaphragm. Some patients may present with complications, such as infection of the cyst; rupture of the cyst into the peritoneal or pleural cavity; fistula formation into hollow organs, like the colon or stomach; rupture of longstanding SHC into the bronchial tree; splenothoracic fistula; sympathetic pleural effusion; calcification; hypersplenism; or signs of anaphylactic shock (4,6,11).…”

“…It is a parasitic infestation caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10). Hydatid cysts may develop in any body organ but occur most frequently in the liver (50-77%) and lungs (18-35%) and occasionally in other organs, such as the spleen (0.5-8%) (1,2).…”

“…A splenic hydatid cyst (SHC), first reported by Berthelot in 1790, is an extremely rare disease, even in endemic areas, including Turkey (3,4). SHCs are divided into primary and secondary forms (4).…”

“…SHCs are divided into primary and secondary forms (4). The clinical signs and symptoms of SHCs depend on their size, relationship with adjacent organs, and complications.…”