Isolated cysts in the spleen are most likely to be which type?

Isolated cysts in the spleen are most likely to be which type?

• A. Hematomas
• B. Cavernous hemangiomas
• C. Accessary spleens
• D. Cystadenomas

Answer: (B)

Isolated cysts in the spleen are most commonly identified as cavernous hemangiomas. These benign vascular lesions can appear as anechoic (fluid-filled) structures on ultrasound. The solid nature of hemangiomas compared to other types of lesions enhances their likelihood of being mistaken for simple cysts due to their similar ultrasound appearance, especially if they are small. Cavernous hemangiomas typically have a well-defined margin and may have internal echogenicity due to the presence of blood vessels. They can be asymptomatic, which aligns with the isolated nature described in the question. In contrast, hematomas are typically associated with trauma and may present with different echogenic characteristics depending on the age of the hematoma. Accessory spleens, while they can appear similar to cysts, typically have different echogenic characteristics and are not classified as cysts. Cystadenomas are glandular tumors and are less common in the spleen, further distinguishing them from the more commonly encountered cavernous hemangiomas.

Isolated cysts in the spleen are most commonly identified as cavernous hemangiomas. These benign vascular lesions can appear as anechoic (fluid-filled) structures on ultrasound. The solid nature of hemangiomas compared to other types of lesions enhances their likelihood of being mistaken for simple cysts due to their similar ultrasound appearance, especially if they are small.

Cavernous hemangiomas typically have a well-defined margin and may have internal echogenicity due to the presence of blood vessels. They can be asymptomatic, which aligns with the isolated nature described in the question.

In contrast, hematomas are typically associated with trauma and may present with different echogenic characteristics depending on the age of the hematoma. Accessory spleens, while they can appear similar to cysts, typically have different echogenic characteristics and are not classified as cysts. Cystadenomas are glandular tumors and are less common in the spleen, further distinguishing them from the more commonly encountered cavernous hemangiomas.