[Giant mucocele of appendix. Case report]

G Chir. 2005 Aug-Sep;26(8-9):311-3.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Appendiceal mucocele is an uncommon disorder caused by accumulation of mucus within the appendiceal lumen. Mucoceles represent a heterogeneous group comprising various histopathologic lesions including mucosal hyperplasia, cystoadenomas, and cystoadenocarcinomas and prognosis is related to these subtypes. The most common symptom is pain or a palpable mass in the right lower quadrant on physical examination. The preoperative diagnosis is performed with abdominal U.S. and confirmed with CT scan; typical CT scan image is a capsulated cystic mass with calcification of the wall while U.S. pattern shows cystic lesion with the onion skin sign considered a specific sonographic marker for appendiceal mucocele. In conclusion a cystic mass sonographically detected with onion skin sign, in the presence of normal female reproductive organs, suggest the diagnosis of appendiceal mucocele.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Appendix*
  • Cecal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Cecal Diseases / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mucocele* / diagnosis
  • Mucocele* / surgery