Giant unilocular hydatid cyst of spleen

Abstract

Background: Hydatid cyst of spleen is a very rare condition. It is usually secondary to spread of cysts from other regions. Primary hydatid cyst of spleen without involvement of any other organ is even rarer. Here, we report a case of a giant unilocular hydatid cyst of spleen without involvement of any other organ. The patient underwent laparotomy and splenectomy was done. This case report aims at reporting a rare case of a primary giant unilocular hydatid cyst of spleen and describes its management. Case Presentation: A 45 year old female presented to the surgical outpatient department with complaint of fever, dull dragging ache and lump in the left upper abdomen. On examination there was a slightly tender lump in the left hypochondrium suggestive of splenomegaly. Ultrasonography and computed tomography of abdomen were suggestive of a giant unilocular splenic hydatid cyst. The patient was operated and splenectomy was performed. The patient was discharged on albendazole therapy and the follow-up was uneventful. Histopathological examination of the specimen confirmed the presence of hydatid cyst. Conclusion: Primary hydatid cyst of spleen is a very rare condition. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment. The evolving concept is towards splenic preservation surgery with cyst enucleation to prevent overwhelming post-splenectomy infections.