Nonparasitic splenic cysts: a case report and review

Cysts of the spleen are rare but usually benign. The authors describe the case of a young woman with a splenic cyst who underwent splenectomy. Ultrasonography and computed tomography have helped improve the preoperative diagnosis of nonparasitic splenic cysts, and as the use of ultrasonography increases, so will the finding of incidental splenic cysts. Whether all splenic cysts enlarge is unknown, and it is uncertain whether all small asymptomatic cysts need treatment. The cysts may enlarge, become infected or rupture. Total splenectomy has been the most common treatment in the past, but, because of the risk of postsplenectomy sepsis, partial splenectomy may be preferred when technically possible.