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Published on: August 24, 2019
Mesoappendiceal and periappendiceal lesions
Badr AbdullGaffar1, Tasnim Keloth
1Histopathology Department, Dubai Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. gaffarbadr@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Lesions of the mesoappendix are rare. The majority are benign and incidental pathologic findings. They rarely present clinically or radiologically. A spectrum of infectious, tumor-like, and neoplastic lesions can involve the mesoappendix and the periappendiceal tissue. Pathologists usually pay little attention to the gross examination of the mesoappendix in appendectomy specimens in comparison to the appendix itself. This could lead to a missed opportunity to identify mesoappendiceal lesions, despite being rare, but some are clinically important for the patient's management. Pathologists should perform careful gross examination and sectioning of the mesoappendix. A retrospective review study of 4371 appendectomy specimens over four years showed eight cases (0.18%) with a variety of mesoappendiceal and periappendiceal lesions. Most (five cases) were benign incidental pathologic findings (lymph nodes with reactive follicular hyperplasia, ectopic decidua, infarcted epiploica and peritoneal cyst), one case was a rare occurrence (inflammatory fibroid tumor), and few others (two cases) were clinically important findings (tuberculosis and schistosomiasis). They were more commonly found in young adult males with a male to female ratio of 7:1.
Insights
Mesoappendiceal lesions are rare but can be clinically significant. Careful pathological examination of appendectomy specimens is crucial for identifying these often-overlooked findings, including infections and tumors.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Lesions of the mesoappendix are uncommon and frequently overlooked during routine pathological examination of appendectomy specimens.
- While often benign and incidental, mesoappendiceal lesions can encompass a range of infectious, tumor-like, and neoplastic conditions with clinical implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of thorough gross examination of the mesoappendix in appendectomy specimens.
- To determine the spectrum and frequency of mesoappendiceal and periappendiceal lesions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 4371 appendectomy specimens over a four-year period.
- Detailed gross examination and sectioning of the mesoappendix were emphasized.
Main Results:
- Eight cases (0.18%) of mesoappendiceal or periappendiceal lesions were identified.
- Findings included benign entities (e.g., reactive lymph nodes, ectopic decidua), an inflammatory fibroid tumor, and clinically significant infections (tuberculosis, schistosomiasis).
- Lesions were more prevalent in young adult males (male to female ratio 7:1).
Conclusions:
- Thorough pathological examination of the mesoappendix is essential for detecting rare but potentially significant lesions.
- Increased awareness and meticulous grossing techniques can improve the identification of these findings, aiding patient management.
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