A Case Report of a Large Splenic Cyst in a Pediatric Patient

Splenic cysts in the pediatric population are rare but can present with a range of clinical manifestations. Acute abdominal pain, although uncommon, is a significant presentation that requires prompt evaluation and management. We present the case of an 11-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with severe left upper quadrant abdominal pain of 24 hours' duration. Physical examination revealed tenderness and guarding in the left upper quadrant with a palpable, firm mass. Elevated serum amylase and lipase levels initially raised suspicion of a pancreatic etiology, but further investigations confirmed the presence of a large cystic lesion in the spleen. The patient underwent laparoscopic splenectomy, and the resected specimen confirmed a benign splenic cyst. Postoperatively, she recovered uneventfully and was discharged with appropriate follow-up plans. This case report underscores the importance of early recognition and prompt surgical intervention in managing splenic cysts in pediatric patients. The diverse etiologies and pathophysiological mechanisms of splenic cysts necessitate a comprehensive diagnostic approach.