A rare simultaneous occurrence of splenic and ovarian hydatid cyst: A case report

Introduction and importance: Hydatid disease is an infectious illness caused by a parasite called Echinococcus. It can affect any organ, primarily the liver and lungs. The occurrence of splenic or ovarian hydatid cyst is rare; simultaneous involvement of both is extremely uncommon. This case report provides valuable insights to clinicians, guiding them to consider a hydatid cyst as a potential differential diagnosis in the presence of a cystic mass lesion. Case presentation: A 33-year-old female presented with abdominal pain of 10 years duration. The past medical and surgical history was negative. Ultrasound and CT scans of the abdomen showed double-layered splenic (15.3 cm x 12.8 cm x 15 cm) and pelvic (8.4 cm x 10.3 cm x 9 cm) cysts. Laparotomy revealed splenic and ovarian hydatid cysts with adhesions to surrounding structures. We performed total splenectomy and left salphingoopherectomy, yielding excellent outcome. Discussion: Hydatid cysts of the spleen and ovary are rare, with few case reports. It is usually secondary to systemic dissemination or intra-peritoneal spread from a ruptured hepatic cyst. Imaging modalities such as ultrasound and CT scans can aid in reaching a diagnosis. The standard treatment for a hydatid cyst is surgery. Conclusion: The simultaneous occurrence of hydatid cysts in the spleen and ovary is rare. The diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific clinical presentations, necessitating a high level of suspicion. Surgery is the primary treatment for hydatid cysts.