A nonparasitic cyst of the spleen in children — is surgery a must? Two clinical cases

BACKGROUND: Non-parasitic splenic cysts is a rare pathology in children, accounting for 0.5–2% of all splenic diseases. Typically, most cysts, as a rule, are asymptomatic However, as the cyst is enlarging, clinical symptoms — such as pain, discomfort in the left abdomen, and nausea — may appear. These symptoms are indicators for surgical intervention. Splenic cysts larger than 5 cm have a higher risk of complications such as rupture, bleeding, and infection; therefore, surgical treatment is recommended in these cases. Some authors consider the surgical intervention to be appropriate for cysts sized greater than 4 cm. However, small size of splenic neoplasms can complicate their visualization and surgery, thus increasing the risk of intraoperative complications and recurrences. Currently, in cases of borderline sizes of asymptomatic non-parasitic splenic cysts, it is recommended to assess the dynamics of size changes, so as to find the optimal curative tactics for the patient.

CLINICAL CASE DESCRIPTION: Two clinical examples of non-parasitic splenic cysts in children are discussed in the article. In the first case, a splenic formation with diameter 40 mm was found in a 5-y.o. girl; the diagnosis was confirmed at ultrasound and computed tomography examinations. At the recommended dynamic follow -up , it was found out that the cyst decreased to 5 mm in diameter. In the second case, a 14-y.o. boy was hospitalized for an elective surgery, because a splenic formation was diagnosed at the regular dispensary check-up. Ultrasound and computed tomography examinations of the abdominal cavity revealed a cyst of 45 mm on the visceral surface of the upper segment of the spleen. Laparoscopy failed to visualize the splenic cyst. The follow-up monitoring with a repeated ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity in 3-6 months was recommended. Imaging diagnostic techniques have confirmed that cyst location and size remained unchanged.

CONCLUSION: The two described clinical cases demonstrate the importance of dynamic follow-up monitoring in case of borderline-sized non-parasitic splenic cysts in children, as it helps to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions.