Mucocele of the appendix: imaging findings.

Mucocele of the appendix, a cystic mass resulting from a dilated appendiceal lumen caused by abnormal accumulation of mucus, is a rare entity that often is not considered when problems of the right lower quadrant are assessed. Preoperative recognition of mucocele of the appendix is important because of the possibility of rupture at surgery with development of pseudomyxoma peritonei and to predict malignant transformation. The appearances of mucoceles of the appendix on sonography, CT, and barium studies are illustrated.     

Mucocele of the appendix. Retrospective study of 10 cases

PURPOSE: The purpose of our work was to assess the value of abdominal sonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) in the preoperative diagnosis of appendiceal mucocele. MATERIAL: and methods. We retrospectively reviewed 10 cases of mucocele of the appendix, 7 cases without pseudomyxoma peritonei, and 3 cases with pseudomyxoma peritonei. All cases were investigated radiologically by plain film and US, barium enema was performed in 3 cases and CT in 5 cases. RESULTS: Mucoceles of the appendix are rare and their clinical presentation is not specific. US confirms the appendicular involvement, but often poses the differential diagnosis with acute inflammation, abscess or localized appendicular peritonitis. CT appears as a mandatory examination since it allows accurate preoperative diagnosis period. In this series, the diagnosis was made preoperatively in the 5 cases where CT had been performed. CONCLUSION: US is useful to confirm the abnormal pattern of the appendix but does not allow accurate diagnosis of mucocele. CT is more specific and accurate for diagnosis of mucocele of the appendix.     

Mucocele of the appendix. Sonographic, computed tomographic and radiologic characteristics

The knowledge of the diagnostic imaging methods features of the mucocele of the appendix is important for a correct preoperative diagnosis, especially to avoid the formation of pseudomyxoma peritonei. A case of a mucocele of the appendix with a special sonographic appearance by a patient with an additional carcinoma of the left kidney is reported. The computer-tomographic and radiological features of the mucocele (plain abdominal film, i.v. urography, barium enema) are presented and discussed with a review of the literature. A sonographically-guided fine-needle puncture of the mucocele was performed. Its importance for the diagnosis is discussed.     

Mucocele of the appendix accurately diagnosed using computer tomography

Mucocele of the appendix is rare so an accurate preoperative diagnosis is very difficult. We report, using computer tomography (CT) in combination with other diagnostic methods, one such correct preoperative diagnosis.     

Mucocele of the appendix presenting as a sigmoid mass

Mural tumours of the colon are rare and may be difficult to distinguish from extrinsic lesions. We report a case of an apparent intramural sigmoid tumour due to a mucocele of the appendix and discuss the radiological diagnosis of mural tumours of the large bowel.