True splenic cyst producing high levels of cystic fluid CA 19-9 and CEA: A case report / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

True non-parasitic splenic cysts are rare. Series have reported over 30 cases of true splenic cysts producing elevated serum CA 19-9 levels. A 27-year-old woman presented with a painless mass in her left upper abdomen. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed a 16-cm cyst in the spleen. The serum CA 19-9 and CEA levels were 432 U/mL and 1.67 ng/mL, respectively. The cystic fluid CA 19-9 and CEA levels were markedly elevated. A splenectomy was performed. The pathology showed a benign true epidermoid cyst, which was negative for CEA. The serum CA 19-9 level returned to normal after removing the splenic cyst. This is the first reported case of a true benign splenic cyst producing high levels of CA 19-9 and CEA in Korea.