[Appendiceal mucocele]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology
• Abdominal Imaging

Background:

• Appendiceal mucocele is a rare condition, occurring in 0.07-0.4% of appendectomies, predominantly affecting females over 50.
• Defined by appendiceal obstruction leading to lumen distension with mucoid material accumulation, it encompasses a spectrum from benign to malignant forms.
• Histological classification includes simple mucocele, mucosal hyperplasia, cystadenoma, and cystadenocarcinoma.

Observation:

• Two cases of simple appendiceal mucocele are discussed.
• Case 1: A 48-year-old male presented with right lower quadrant pain, initially suspected as periappendiceal abscess on ultrasound, but revealed as appendiceal mucocele during laparotomy requiring ileocecal resection.
• Case 2: A 65-year-old male presented with abdominal distension; laparotomy identified a cystic appendix tumor, diagnosed as simple appendiceal mucocele post-appendectomy.

Findings:

• Diagnosis can be suggested by abdominal ultrasound and CT scans.
• Simple appendiceal mucocele can present with varied symptoms, including acute pain or chronic discomfort and distension.
• Surgical management varied, with ileocecal resection in one case and appendectomy in another, based on intraoperative findings and extent.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering appendiceal mucocele in the differential diagnosis of right lower quadrant masses and pain.
• Emphasizes the need for accurate preoperative diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention for appendiceal mucocele.
• Contributes to understanding the clinical presentation and management of this rare appendiceal condition.