Mucocele of appendix

Abstract

Mucocele of appendix develops due to obstructive dilatation of the appendix leading to intraluminal accumulation of mucoid material. The incidence is 0.2-0.7% of all appendectomied specimens. Clinical presentation is atypical. The patient presents with pain and lump in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. Therefore, it may be misdiagnosed as an appendicular lump. It is important to differentiate between these two pathologies before surgery and select adequate surgical approach. If not treated, the mucocele may progress, and pseudomyxoma peritonei may develop, which has a high mortality. We present a case of 45-year-old serving soldier where the mucocele of appendix was diagnosed preoperatively on abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography scan. Lap converted to open appendicectomy was performed because no pathologic process was found at the base of the appendix, and lymph nodes were not enlarged. Histopathologic diagnosis was mucocele of the appendix.

Keywords

• Appendicitis
• appendicular lump
• lump right iliac fossa
• mucinous cystadenoma
• mucocele