Hydatid disease is a zoonotic parasitic infection caused mainly by Echinococcus granulosus and is a common disease in this part of the world. However, primary splenic hydatidosis is rare. A case is described in a 45 year old female who presented with left upper quadrant swelling and pain. Ultrasonography revealed a hydatid cyst towards upper pole of spleen. A Computed Tomography confirmed the primary splenic hydatid cyst of 7.5cm × 7cm without internal septations and calcification. Serological tests were positive for hydatid disease. An elective splenectomy was performed successfully. Introduction Hydatid disease is common in sheep rearing areas. A hydatid disease is a zoonotic illness and a significant problem in endemic areas. Hydatid cyst, is caused by Echinococcus infestation. Humans are the accidental intermediate hosts. After ingestion, the eggs hatch and oncospheres penetrate the intestinal mucosa and enter the circulation. The embryos are carried to the liver to be arrested in the sinusoidal capillaries (first filter). Some of the embryos may pass through the hepatic capillaries and enter the pulmonary circulation and filter out in the lungs (second filter). Rarely a few embryos may pass through the pulmonary capillaries, and enter the general blood stream and lodge in the various organs. Wherever the embryo settles, it forms a hydatid cyst. The life span of larval worm is considerable and it may continue to develop for many years1. Liver and lungs are the organs most commonly affected . Primary infestation of the spleen by the parasite is rare. Case report A 45 year old rural married female from north Kashmir , with no significant past medical history presented with 12 weeks history of progressively increasing upper abdominal swelling and pain. General physical examination of patient was normal. Abdominal examination revealed splenomegaly. Ultrasonography revealed a hydatid cyst towards upper pole of spleen. A Computed Tomography confirmed the primary splenic hydatid cyst of 7.5cm × 7cm without internal septations and calcification and computed tomography also confirmed the absence of cysts in the liver, lungs or kidney [Fig 1].
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