[Epidermoid splenic cysts in children and adolescents]

Epidermoid cysts of the spleen are a rare lesion comprising less than 10% benign non-parasitic splenic cysts. Two boys and three girls, aged 13 to 24 years (mean 18.0 years) were diagnosed over a 4-year period. Presenting symptoms were dull, acute left hypochondrium pain and diffuse abdominal pain. Hemogram and routine analyses, as well as radiography were performed for the diagnosis. Ultrasound and CT confirmed the cystic nature of the lesion. Definitive diagnosis is made by pathological findings. Was performed splenectomy on one patient, and was performed a partial splenectomy on the other patients, in order to eliminate the symptoms produced by the cyst and prevent potential complications (postspleenectomiam sepsis). Patients were examined postoperatively. They were asymptomatic and with a normal spleen remnant detected by ultrasound and CT. Routine hematological data, blood clotting factors, and immunoglobulins were normal.