Spleen cystic echinococcosis: clinical manifestations and treatment

Abstract

Aim: The aim of our study was to demonstrate clinical manifestations and diagnostic methods of splenic echinococcosis and suggest surgical approach.

Methods: The study involved 20 patients of previously diagnosed spleen echinococcosis. A diagnosis was made for each patient, based on medical history, biochemical and serological tests, physical examination and abdominal ultrasonography. All the patients received a CT scan of the abdomen. These patients had undergone the following surgery procedures: total splenectomy 13 (60%), and spleen-preserving surgery 7 (35%) patients. Histological examination confirmed the spleen echinoccocosis in all the patients.

Results: Nonspecific left upper abdominal pain was present in 10 (50%) cases, while 5 (25%) patients presented with the right upper abdominal pain with dyspepsia and five patients (25%) were asymptomatic. Postoperative complications developed in 2/13 (15.4 %) patients who underwent total splenectomy, while there were no complications after spleen-preserving surgery.

Conclusion: Spleen-preserving surgery should be undertaken if possible in patients with spleen echinococcosis, and total splenectomy is reserved for the patients with large cysts located centrally or near the hilus.