Learning objectives
1) To describe the imaging findings on ultrasound (US),
computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MRI) for the diagnosis of appendiceal mucocele.
2) To clear up the current pathological nomenclature.
3) To review the therapeutic management.
Background
The appendiceal mucocele (AM) is an uncommon entity.
The term "mucocele" refers to a grossly dilated appendix by mucus (fig.1).
It can be pathologically caused by a variety of non-neoplastic,
benign neoplastic and malignant conditions,
although the most frequent etiology is appendiceal mucinous neoplasm.
It is important to recognize the underlying cause of the mucocele because it can be related to many conditions,
like a simple retention cyst but also a malignant neoplasm,
so to obtain a correct preoperative diagnosis is essential to allow adequate...
Findings and procedure details
INTRODUCTION
The appendiceal mucocele (AM) is an uncommon disorder,
which is found in 0.2-0.3% of all appendectomies and represents 8%-10% of all appendiceal tumors.
Usually it occurs in patients of middle age (> 50 years) and according to some studies the incidence is similar between men and women,
while for other authors there is a higher incidence in females (4: 1).
We present our series of appendiceal mucocele that consists of a total of 8 cases (5 women,
3 men),
aged between 30 and 87...
Conclusion
The appendiceal Mucocele should be included in the differential diagnosis of any cystic lesion found in the right lower quadrant.
The diagnosis is important to plan the surgical procedure.
The most feared complication is the rupture and subsequent peritoneal dissemination (PP).
Abdominal CT is the best diagnostic tool,
but it cannot distinguish benignity from malignancy.
References
Wang H,
Chen Y-Q,
Wei R,
Wang Q-B,
Song B,
Wang C-Y,
Zhang B.
Appendiceal Mucocele: A Diagnostic Dilemma in Differentiating Malignant From Bening Lesions With CT.
AJR 2013; 201: 590-595
Bennett GL,
Tanpitukpongse TP,
Macari M,
Cho KC,
Babb JS.
CT Diagnosis of Mucocele of the Appendix in Patients with Acute Appendicitis.
AJR 2009; 192:103-110
Agrusa A,
Romano G,
Galia M,
Cucinella G,
Sorce V,
Di Buono G,
Gulotta F,
Agnello F,
Amato G,
Gulotta G.
Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms : an uncertain nosologica entity....