Spleen preserving management of a non-parasitic splenic cyst in pregnancy

Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2016 Sep;98(7):e114-7. doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2016.0165. Epub 2016 May 11.

Abstract

Non-parasitic splenic cysts are rare entities. In pregnancy, they are rarer still, with as few as seven cases reported in the literature. There is little consensus regarding the optimal management of this condition in pregnancy. Although small, the theoretical risk of intrapartum splenic rupture is associated with a fetal mortality rate as high as 70%. The authors of at least three case reports advocate total splenectomy as first-line management of splenic cyst in pregnancy. Paradoxically, spleen conserving surgery is the recognised gold standard treatment for symptomatic splenic cysts in non-pregnant patients. We present a case of a large maternal splenic cyst that was treated successfully with a laparoscopic cystectomy.

Keywords: Maternal splenic cyst; Minimally invasive; Non-parasitic splenic cyst; Pregnancy; Splenic cyst.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cysts / complications*
  • Cysts / diagnosis
  • Cysts / diagnostic imaging
  • Cysts / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy Complications / surgery
  • Spleen / diagnostic imaging
  • Spleen / surgery
  • Splenic Diseases / complications*
  • Splenic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Splenic Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Splenic Diseases / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed