[Giant splenic cyst in a teenager girl: Case report]

Rev Chil Pediatr. 2017 Jun;88(3):388-392. doi: 10.4067/S0370-41062017000300012.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Giant nonparasitic splenic epidermoid cysts are relatively uncommon. These lesions can lead abdominal pain, but most of then are asymptomatic, and they are discovered incidentally. We report a 13-y old female with a giant splenic epidermoid cystic, given the special interest of diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making of this rare entity.

Case report: A 13-y old female with clinical history of abdominal pain since the last two months. On physical examination a firm, tender mass was palpable in left hypochondrium. Diagnosis of a large cystic splenic mass was made based on ultrasound and abdominal computed tomography scan. Splenectomy was performed, and histopathological-immunohistochemistry studies revealed findings suggestive of primary epithelial cyst. The post-operative clinical course was satisfactory and uneventful.

Conclusions: Treatment of giant nonparasitic splenic cysts is surgical. Preserve splenic parenchyma must be the aim in an individualized decision-making. The different types of surgical modalities will be according to the diagnosis and clinical situation (cyst size, age, comorbidities).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Epidermal Cyst / diagnosis*
  • Epidermal Cyst / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Splenectomy
  • Splenic Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Splenic Diseases / surgery