Splenic epidermoid cysts presenting as an acute abdomen.

Splenic cysts are rare, especially in western countries. Worldwide, parasitic splenic cysts are more frequently encountered with Echinococcus granulosa being the most commonly implicated species.' The mode of presentation varies according to age group. In children, intermittent colicky abdominal pain in the left hypochondrium with a tender palpable mass is usually the way splenic cysts present.2 In adults it is usually picked up incidentally on abdominal ultrasonography. In some regions ofthe world where E. granulosa is epidemic, however, presentation may be through complications such as infection or rupture.3 The concurrent presentation of two cases of proven splenic epidermoid cysts as an acute abdomen at short intervals to a district general hospital is unusual. We therefore hope to highlight this condition in the differential diagnosis of the surgical abdominal emergency.