[Splenic cyst--a classical "incidental finding"].

Splenic cysts cannot be summarized in one entity but open a wide field of aetiopathogenetic factors. The most common types of splenic cysts in central Europe are of epithelial or traumatic origin. Since ultrasound is widely used, the incidence of splenic cysts increased to about 1%. Rarely, splenic cysts give specific symptoms. Giant cysts cause unspecific abdominal pain, sometimes even organ displacement, possibly leading to a decreased function of related organs. In case of rupture, splenic cysts may become life-threatening. We present a patient suffering a giant splenic cyst and give an overview of diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of splenic cysts.