Primary Hydatid Disease of the Spleen: A Case Report

Primary hydatid disease of the spleen is rarely reported. We describe the first report of primary hydatid disease of the spleen which was diagnosed by ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA). A 25-year-old female from Fars province, Iran, presented with left flank pain one week prior to admission. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a large cystic lesion, 8 cm in diameter at the splenic hilum. A provisional diagnosis of organized hematoma, epidermoid cyst, cystic neoplasm or cystic infection was made, and ultrasonography-guided FNA was performed. Cytologic examination showed scolices, protoscolices, scattered hooklets and microcalcified material. Echinococcosis was diagnosed. Splenectomy was then performed and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. After two-year follow-up the patient is completely well. (J Infect Dis Antimicrob Agents 2004;21:93-7.) *Resident, Department of Pathology, Surgery and Radiology, Shiraz Med. School, Shiraz, Iran. **Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Shiraz Med. School, Shiraz, Iran. ***Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Shiraz Med. School, Shiraz, Iran. ****Radiologist, Private Practitioner, Shiraz, Iran. Received for publication: July 21, 2004. Reprint request: Yahya Daneshbod, M.D., Department of Pathology, Shiraz Med. School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Po. Box: 1864, Zand St. Post code: 71344, Shiraz, IR of Iran. E-mail: [email protected]