Hydatid Cyst of Spleen Presenting with Vague Symptoms: A Diagnostic Conundrum

Abstract

Hydatid cysts are caused by a tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. They usually occur in the liver. When occurring in spleen they present with vague symptoms which make it difficult for the physicians to diagnose. We present a case of a 10-year-old male who presented with fever, abdominal pain, and burning micturition along with vomiting. Abdominal exam revealed no visceromegaly. Abdominal ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) scan showed multiple hypoechoic and hypo-dense areas, respectively. Splenic abscess, abdominal tuberculosis (TB), pyelonephritis and malignancy were ruled out with appropriate investigations. The patient was not responding to triple therapy of antibiotics (ceftriaxone, metronidazole, and cloxacillin). A final diagnosis of hydatid cyst of spleen was made when serum echinococcus immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were found to be positive. The patient was treated with albendazole and was discharged on improvement. It is vital to be vigilant and consider echinococcal hydatid cyst as a differential in the lesions of spleen, especially if the patient has a rural background.