Primary splenic echinococcal cyst: a rare presentation
Pinki PANDEY 1, A DIXIT 2, S CHANDRA 1, V CHATURVEDI 1, Anuradha SHARMA 3
1 Departments of Pathology and 2 Pharmacology, U P Rural Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Saifai, Etawah, India, 3 Department of Pathology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, M M University, Haryana, India
ABSTRACT
Human echinococcosis is caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. The most commonly affected sites are the liver and lungs. Primary splenic echinococcosis is rare. It may occur in association with hepatic, pulmonary or multi-organ echinococcosis, or very rarely as isolated primary splenic echinococcosis. We report the unusual case of isolated primary splenic echinococcal cyst in a 15-year-old boy who presented with the history of left upper abdominal swelling and pain. Ultrasonography revealed a splenic cystic lesion with numerous daughter cysts suggestive of echinococcosis that was confirmed on computed tomography scan. Radiographic imaging studies did not show any cyst in liver, lungs or kidneys. Splenectomy was performed with an uneventful recovery. The diagnosis of splenic echinococcosis was confirmed on histopathological examination. Spleen, although a rare site for presentation of hydatid disease, should always be kept in mind while dealing with cystic lesions of the spleen especially in endemic regions.
Keywords: Hydatid cyst, parasitic infection, splenic cyst
Correspondence author: Pinki PANDEY, Type V, B-301, New campus, UPRIMS&R, Saifai, Etawah. 206301. UP, INDIA
Tel: +919416825149
E mail: pnkdxt@yahoo.co.in
Brunei Int Med J. 2013; 9 (5): 345-349