Congenital epithelial splenic cysts in children. Emphasis on sonographic appearances and some unusual features.

The clinical, radiographic and sonographic features of four children with congenital epithelial splenic cysts are described. All four cases presented with a left upper quadrant mass and few symptoms. In one case the spleen descended into the pelvis in the upright position. In three cases the sonographic findings showed the mass to be completely sonolucent. In the fourth case the mass was echogenic and echoes were distributed homogeneously throughout the mass. These internal echoes were due to the presence of fat droplets within the cyst fluid. Internal echoes may also be due to hemorrhage into the cyst. In all four cases a rim of splenic tissue was visible around part of the cyst.