Primary splenic hydatid cyst: a case report with characteristic imaging appearance

Area of Science:

• Medical Parasitology
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Tropical Medicine

Background:

• Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is a zoonotic parasitic infection prevalent in rural areas with sheep and dog farming.
• Clinical presentation can be insidious, often involving abdominal pain, tenderness, and swelling due to parasitic cysts.
• Exposure to infected animals, particularly dogs and livestock, is a primary risk factor for transmission.

Observation:

• A middle-aged female presented with a one-month history of left hypochondrium pain, tenderness, and swelling.
• The patient reported a history of contact with dogs and grazing animals, suggesting potential zoonotic exposure.
• Diagnostic imaging, including ultrasonography and computed tomography, revealed characteristic signs indicative of hydatid disease.

Findings:

• Imaging findings were pathognomonic for hydatid disease, confirming the presence of parasitic cysts.
• The patient declined surgical intervention for the hydatid cyst.
• Pharmacological management with Albendazole was initiated as an alternative to surgery.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering hydatid disease in patients with relevant exposure history and suggestive symptoms.
• Non-surgical management with Albendazole can be a viable option for hydatid disease, particularly when surgery is refused or contraindicated.
• The lack of follow-up underscores the challenges in managing parasitic infections in resource-limited settings and the need for patient adherence to treatment protocols.