Transitional-Cell Splenic Cyst Excised Without Splenectomy

A perusal of the medical literature reveals that cysts of the spleen are uncommon. Only 4 cases in approximately 800 splenectomies were reported by Pemberton at the Mayo Clinic during a 30-year period. 13 A total of 265 nonparasitic splenic cysts were collected from the world literature by Fowler in 1953 in an extensive review of the subject. 5 Cysts which contain an internal cell lining have been termed "true cysts." The types of lining include epidermoid, dermoid, endothelial, and cuboidal, several cases of hemangioma and lymphangioma also being reported. The present article will detail what the authors believe to be the first reported case of congenital splenic cyst lined by secretory transitional epithelium, possibly arising from inclusion of mesonephric structures into the developing splenic anlage at about the fifth to eighth week of embryonic life. Report of Case A 13-year-old Caucasian girl was transferred to the University of California