Chapter 72 The Spleen and Its Disorders
Management of Splenic Cysts
• Many conditions can lead to cyst formation in the spleen, including parasitic infections, trauma, hemangiomas, and polycystic kidney disease.
• Asymptomatic nonparasitic cysts may be observed with careful attention and development of a plan for intervention should they become symptomatic, rupture, or become infected.
• Symptomatic cysts may require percutaneous drainage with radiologic guidance or sometimes surgical procedures, including partial or total splenectomy.*
• Parasitic cysts should be treated in consultation with infectious disease specialists because the particular parasitic infection, radiologic appearance, and patient comorbidities will guide choice of therapies.