[Splenic hydatidosis: report of 4 cases]

This report describes the clinical, diagnostic and treatment features of four patients with primary splenic hydatid disease who were treated between 1991 and 1993 in three hospitals of Lima where hydatid disease is often seen. Clinical features were not sufficient to reach a correct diagnosis in all cases. In two patients splenic cysts were found by accident. Abdominal ultrasound scanning gave erroneous or dubious results in three patients. Abdominal CAT scan was useful in locating a cyst in one of the cases. One patient harboured an infected cyst before surgery. Total splenectomy was performed in all cases with no complications up to discharge from the hospital. Splenic hydatidosis is rare but should be looked for in patients with cysts in other organs or with presumptive abdominal images suggestive of this disease.