Hydatid disease of the spleen: imaging findings in nine patients

Splenic involvement is uncommon in patients with hydatid disease. The radiologic and clinical findings in nine patients with splenic hydatidosis are described. The three men and six women were 41-76 years old (mean, 58 years). Their histories and physical findings, the results of serologic tests for hydatidosis, and imaging procedures were evaluated. Plain abdominal radiographs were obtained in all nine patients, sonograms in six, and CT scans in seven. Plain films showed calcification of the cyst wall in four of the nine patients. On sonograms, five lesions were anechoic and one was echogenic. On CT scans, all lesions except one were of lower attenuation than the surrounding spleen. None of the lesions enhanced after administration of IV contrast material. Although rare, splenic hydatidosis should be included in the differential diagnosis when a cystic splenic lesion is identified with sonography or CT.