Hydatid disease of the liver is still endemic in certain parts of the world but the hydatid cyst of Spleen is a rare entity. The diagnosis of non-complicated hydatid cyst depends on clinical suspicion. Ultrasonography and computed tomography, the most important diagnostic tools, are helpful for determining the complications and planning treatment. The modern treatment of hydatid cyst varies from surgical intervention to percutaneous drainage or medical therapy. Surgery is still the treatment of choice and can be performed by the conventional or laparoscopic approach. Percutaneous drainage and treatment of the cyst with hypertonic saline or alcohol seems to be a good alternative to surgery in selected cases.

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation of humans caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Dogs and some wild carnivores like foxes are definitive hosts, harbouring worms in their intestine. Eggs are passed in the faeces and eaten by the intermediate hosts, and larvae encyst in the liver, lungs,Spleen and other organs.

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Dr Saroj Ranjan Gochhayat

Senior Resident, S.L.N. Medical College, Koraput, Odisha, India