Multimodal Treatment of a Spontaneously Ruptured Echinococcus Cyst of the Spleen and Its Complications.

Introduction

Cystic echinococcosis, also known as hydatid cyst, is a parasitic infection of mammals that can affect any organ. Although the diagnosis of primary splenic echinococcosis is challenging, especially in nonendemic areas, it can be life-saving because an anaphylactic shock may occur when the cyst ruptures. Recommendations regarding optimal treatment options after rupture are scarce, and the overall prognosis remains poor. Case Presentation: A patient with a spontaneous rupture of an isolated splenic hydatid cyst was treated with splenectomy and peritoneal lavage with a hypertonic salt solution. The patient survived despite rapidly progressive hypernatremia, which was treated with conventional therapy along with continuous venovenous hemofiltration with gradient sodium replacement. Discussion: When the decision is made to treat a patient with a spontaneously ruptured splenic echinococcus cyst, splenectomy is the only surgical option. Hypernatremia is a complication to be expected when hypertonic saline is used to rinse the splenic and abdominal cavities.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of prompt surgical intervention and the management of hypernatremia in patients with ruptured splenic hydatid cysts.