Huge epithelial nonparasitic splenic cyst: A case report and a review of treatment methods

BACKGROUND Splenic cysts are rare in all age groups and there are a few reports in the world literature. Primary cysts occur most frequently in children and young adults, comprising around 25% of all nonparasitic splenic cysts. Various techniques are suggested for the treatment of splenic cysts. In this case report, a huge epithelial splenic cyst in a 17-year-old female is presented and different treatment methods of splenic cysts are evaluated. CASE PRESENTATION A 17-year-old female presented with progressive abdominal mass in left upper quadrant associated with abdominal pain and food intolerance of duration of several months. There was no history of trauma. On physical examination, there was a huge mass located in the upper left side of abdomen. Computerized tomography scan revealed that a large cystic lesion had occupied the spleen with dimensions of 32x21xI5.6 cm. After patient preparation laparotomy was performed and complete cyst excision was done with splenectomy, patient was discharged after 2 days. This is a report of a case of epithelial splenic cyst of the spleen in a 17-year old female. CONCLUSION The management of splenic cysts continues to evolve and the optimum treatment of patients with nonparasitic splenic cysts is controversial, as a principle preservation technique of the spleen with minimally invasive methods such as laparoscopy is preferred to splenectomy with the exception of very large cysts and when splenic hilum is involved in cyst wall. However, significant cyst recurrences were encountered with these techniques. Recently open partial splenectomy has been proposed as a safe and effective method in the management of NPSCs it ensures complete cyst removal, lack of cyst recurrence, and preservation of the spleen functions.