An unusual case of splenic hydatid cyst perforating into posterior wall of stomach

Abstract

Hydatid disease (cystic echinococcosis) is a parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Hydatid cysts are typically found in the liver and lungs, but they can also rarely occur in the spleen. This case report describes an unusual occurrence of a splenic hydatid cyst that perforated the posterior wall of the stomach. The patient, a 55-year-old female, presented with severe pain in the left hypochondrium and nausea. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a large, complex mass in the spleen with multiple hydatid cysts and a perforation of approximately 5 × 5 cm into the stomach wall. The patient underwent peri-cystectomy for the infected splenic hydatid cyst and repair of the gastric perforation. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of hydatid cysts. This case highlights the importance of considering hydatid cysts in the differential diagnosis of abdominal masses that erode into the stomach to prevent overtreatment and ensure an accurate diagnosis.