Hydatid disease of the spleen: Evaluation of 5 cases

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical and radiological findings of five patients treated with the diagnosis of hydatid disease of the spleen and discuss their treatment in the view of current literature. The most commonly affected organs are the liver (70%) and the lung (15-20%). But almost every organ of the body can be affected. Among these splenic involvement varies between 0.9 and 8% and isolated splenic involvement is very uncommon. Patients and Methods: Five patients (four female and one male) with hydatid disease of spleen have been enrolled to this study. Results: The average age of the patients was 48.8 (39-60). The most frequent complaint was the pain or mild discomfort in the left upper quadrant. Splenomegaly was found at physical examination of two patients. Three patients were presented with isolated splenic involvement. One of these patients presented with the past medical history of surgery for liver involvement. The cysts of three patients were localised at the splenic hilum and the other two cysts were within paranchima. All patients were operated with splenectomy and intra-operative blood transfusion was needed for one patient. The treatment is indicated due to the risk of infection and rupture. Average operating time was 140 (65-200) minutes and average hospital stay was 11.8 (10-13) days. Conclusion: The preservation of the splenic tissue is especially important for children and should be tried if possible.