isolated primary splenic hydatid cyst in a six-year-old boy: a case report

hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation caused by the larval form of echinococcus gronulosus and it remains a considerable public health problem in several mediterranean countries such as iran. liver is the most common site of involvement. lungs are the second most common sites of hematogeneous spread in adults and are probably the most common sites in children (15% - 25% of cases). primary hydatid cyst of the spleen is a rare entity. here, we describe a case of primary splenic hydatid cyst in a six-year-old boy who was presented with left upper quadrant pain and swelling. abdominal ultrasonography revealed a large cystic mass in the spleen. computed tomography (ct) confirmed the primary splenic hydatid cyst. no other organ or system involvement could be demonstrated. total splenectomy was performed for the patient.