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Unusual long term complications of a splenic cyst Cover

Unusual long term complications of a splenic cyst

Open Access
|Jan 2010

Abstract

Splenic cysts are relatively uncommon, and are usually asymptomatic. They are benign, typically treated conservatively and followed up with ultrasound examination, with few reported complications. We report a case of a simple splenic cyst that was followed up on imaging over a seven-year period. During that time, the cyst gradually enlarged from 5 cm to 12 cm in diameter, however the patient remained asymptomatic. After seven years, the patient was admitted with abdominal pain and a pelvic mass. The spleen was located within the pelvis, which was felt to be due to the weight of the cyst which caused the spleen to migrate out of its normal position. This case illustrates an extremely unusual complication, and suggests that while most splenic cysts may be managed conservatively, enlarging cysts may be prone to gravitational effects and prophylactic treatment should be considered.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/jbr-btr.27 | Journal eISSN: 2514-8281
Language: English
Published on: Jan 3, 2010
Published by: Ubiquity Press
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
Publication frequency: 1 issue per year

© 2010 E.V.M. Ward, J O’Brien, K Conlon, W C Torreggiani, published by Ubiquity Press
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.