Uncommon splenic cysts in paediatric patients: A case series.

Abstract

Splenic cysts are uncommon and classified into parasitic and non-parasitic origins. Non-parasitic cysts are further categorised into primary and secondary forms; primary cysts develop congenitally and progress into adulthood and secondary cysts result from factors such as abdominal trauma, infection or ischemia. This case series presents three instances of splenic cysts in children. The first case involves a splenic epidermoid cyst, the second a pseudocyst and the third a splenic epithelial cyst. All patients exhibited an abdominal lump in the left quadrant that increased in size over time, without additional symptoms. The third patient had a history of abdominal blunt trauma a year prior to symptom onset. Treatment approaches varied: the first and third patients underwent total splenectomy, while the second patient underwent aspiration drainage with frozen section analysis and partial splenectomy. All patients, first, second and third, were discharged 6, 3 and 5 days postoperatively, respectively, without complications. Splenic epithelial cyst (SEC) emerged as the predominant primary non-parasitic splenic cyst type, with an unclear pathogenesis. Typically asymptomatic, splenic cysts are commonly detected incidentally during imaging or exploratory laparotomy. Histopathology stands as the gold standard diagnostic method for splenic cysts. Although rare, paediatric splenic cysts should be considered in cases of abdominal trauma. Imaging serves a vital role in diagnosis, guiding decisions between conservative or surgical interventions based on cyst size, symptoms and associated complications.