Management of a large splenic cyst in pregnancy--a case report

Abstract

Splenic cysts in pregnancy are an extremely rare disorder and to date only seven such cases have been reported in literature. The consensus for the management of pregnant patients with splenic cysts is therefore yet to be established. A 25-year old nullipara with a large (10 cm in diameter) splenic cyst located in the upper pole and the hilum was qualified for surgery in the second trimester of pregnancy. Open total splenectomy was performed because of the central location and large diameter of the cyst. No complications were reported. The pathology report demonstrated secondary cyst (pseudocyst). The remaining antepartum course was uneventful and the patient spontaneously delivered a healthy baby at 39 weeks of pregnancy. We are of the opinion that splenic cysts should be operated on in the second trimester of pregnancy because of the risk of spontaneous rupture. Total splenectomy is a safe and effective procedure for centrally located large cysts.