Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
03:49
Application of Microwave Ablation in Laparoscopic Partial Splenectomy
Published on: November 15, 2024
A splenic hydatid cyst case presented with lumbar pain
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|October 4, 2006
Summary
A rare giant splenic hydatid cyst caused lumbar pain in a patient. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of abdominal hydatid disease involving multiple organs like the spleen, liver, and lungs.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Abdominal hydatid cysts are uncommon, with splenic involvement being particularly rare, even in regions where hydatid disease is endemic.
- Hydatid disease, caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, typically affects the liver and lungs.
Observation:
- A patient presented with isolated lumbar pain, a non-specific symptom.
- Initial abdominal radiography revealed a large calcified splenic mass, suggesting an unusual presentation of hydatid disease.
Findings:
- The splenic mass was diagnosed as a giant hydatid cyst.
- Further investigations confirmed concurrent involvement of the liver and lungs, indicating disseminated hydatid disease.
- Calcification within the splenic cyst was a notable radiographic feature.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses like splenic hydatid cysts in patients with vague abdominal or back pain.
- The presentation emphasizes the need for comprehensive imaging and diagnostic workup to detect multi-organ involvement in suspected hydatid disease.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and preventing complications associated with giant hydatid cysts.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
01:22Appendicitis-I: Introduction
The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
01:28Amebiasis
Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
01:20Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...
01:19Abdominal Regions and Quadrants
To promote clear communication, for instance, about the location of a patient's abdominal pain or a suspicious mass, anatomists and clinicians typically use imaginary lines to categorize the abdominopelvic cavity into either four quadrants or nine regions to identify organs in the cavity.
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four quadrants...
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four quadrants...