[Epidermoid cysts of the spleen. Apropos of two cases: review of the literature].

Benign cysts of the spleen (excepting parasites) are rare. Less than 10% of the cases involve epidermoid cysts, as the two cases reported here. These lesions are often asymptomatic and can lead unspecific clinical manifestations. The diagnosis is based on echography and abdominal computed tomography. Generally, imagery can eliminate a hydatic cyst of the spleen but cannot differentiate between different types of non-parasite cysts. Major complications including rupture and intracystic haemorrhage, malignant transformation and the impossibility of obtaining a preoperative histological diagnosis make surgery the only possible treatment. A conservative approach with partial splenectomy is the usual option, but total splenectomy may be required. The question of whether surgery is always necessary for small asymptomatic cysts of the spleen in under debate. Certain authors suggest that only regular echographic monitoring is necessary.