DOI: 10.36347/sjmcr.2024.v12i01.029

Pages: 112-114

Echinococcosis or Hydatid disease is a zoonosis endemic in agricultural areas of the world. It is caused by tapeworm of genus Echinococcus excreted in the faeces of infected dogs. Most common site of involvement is liver (50-77%) followed by lungs (18-35%), abdominal cavity and brain. Splenic hydatid cyst is a rare entity constituting 0.5 - 4% of abdominal hydatid disease. We report a case of 62 yrs old female who presented with vague abdominal pain and vomiting. Her abdominal CECT revealed a cystic lesion with peripheral calcified foci at lower pole of spleen. All other investigations were normal except for raised serum echinococcus IgG levels. Splenectomy specimen was received and histopathological examination confirmed it as hydatid cyst. Microscopy showed outer acellular laminated membrane, inner germinal layer with scolices along with eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrate. Patients presenting with hydatid disease are usually asymptomatic or can have vague abdominal pain. The disease is associated with recurrences, fatal anaphylaxis if neglected and high morbidity and mortality, therefore it should be considered as a differential for any cystic mass found in any part of the body.