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.