Gastrointestinal Imaging

Hydatid disease, splenic

For a general description, see hydatid disease. Hydatid disease of the spleen occurs in 2 - 4% of patients affected by echinococcosis. Solitary splenic infection is rare. It is usually associated with other visceral or bone involvement. Splenic involvement by echinococcosis is mostly secondary to generalized dissemination but may be secondary to free peritoneal rupture of hydatid liver cyst and intraperitoneal spread. Echinococcal infection of the spleen is responsible for two thirds of splenic cysts and echinococcal larva is the only parasite causing cysts of the spleen. Solitary or multiple cysts may enlarge the spleen or cause focal mass effect. The radiological imaging findings are similar to those of echinococcal liver cyst.

 

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