Appendiceal Mucocele

Mucocele of the vermiform appendix is characterized by a dilatation of the appendiceal lumen due to abnormal accumulation of mucus. It is often asymptomatic (25%) and found incidentally during abdominal imaging studies or surgical explorations. Accurate diagnosis is based on clinico-pathological grounds and the treatment can differ depending on the malignant potential of the lesion.

Although appendiceal mucocele is a more common disorder than previously recognized (0.2-0.3% of appendectomies), only a few cases have been reported in the surgical literature. The prime objective of this report was to call specialist’s attention about the necessity of penetrating diagnosis of appendix mucocele, a disease that is often mistaken for other abdominal pathologies. We present a case of appendiceal mucocele secondary to mucinous cystadenoma in a woman with abdominal pain, and in which the radiological study allowed the preoperative diagnosis with a high index of suspicion. The pathogenesis, clinicohistological aspects and imaging features of the lesion as well as the main therapeutic approaches suggested in the literature are commented on.

Keywords: Appendiceal mucocele, appendicocele, mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix.