Splenic cyst: demonstration of the relationship between subcapsular haematoma and false cyst by imaging

Abstract

Splenic cysts form a heterogeneous group, classified in 1953 by Fowler. Excluding cystic neoplasms and parasitic cysts, splenic cysts can be classified as “true” cysts lined by an epithelium, and “false” cysts without epithelial lining. It has been postulated that the latter are post-traumatic (Dachmann et al, 1986). In the described case, we record the evolution on ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) of a post-traumatic subcapsular haematoma of the spleen that resulted in cyst formation.