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Updated: May 8, 2026

Culture and Imaging of Ex Vivo Organotypic Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Tumor Slices from Resected Human Tumor Specimens
Published on: December 9, 2022
Pseudomyxoma peritonei originating from an intestinal duplication
Julie Lemahieu1, André D'Hoore, Stijn Deloose
1Department of Imaging and Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 12, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract:
Alimentary tract duplications are rare congenital anomalies. They most often become symptomatic in childhood and rarely undergo malignant transformation. Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is an equally uncommon condition, most frequently originating from a primary appendiceal mucinous neoplasm. We report an extremely unusual case of PMP arising from an intestinal duplication. A 67-year-old woman presented with vague upper abdominal pain, and, unexpectedly, explorative laparoscopy revealed diffuse jelly-like peritoneal implants. The histopathological diagnosis of a low-grade PMP or "disseminated peritoneal adenomucinosis" was made. At that moment, no primary tumor was found. During later surgery, a cystic lesion located in the mesentery of the small bowel could be resected. Histologically, the cyst wall clearly showed the concentric layering of a normal bowel wall. The mucosa, however, displayed a diffuse low-grade villous adenoma. We concluded that this histological picture was most consistent with a small intestinal duplication, containing a low-grade villous adenoma. The adenoma caused a mucocele, which subsequently leaked or ruptured, giving rise to noninvasive mucinous peritoneal implants or low-grade PMP, also known as "disseminated peritoneal adenomucinosis" (DPAM).
Insights
This case report details an extremely rare instance of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) originating from a small intestinal duplication. The study highlights a unique cause for this uncommon condition, emphasizing the importance of considering rare origins.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Alimentary tract duplications are rare congenital anomalies, typically presenting in childhood.
- Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is an uncommon condition, usually arising from appendiceal neoplasms.
- Malignant transformation of intestinal duplications is exceptionally rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an extremely unusual case of PMP originating from a small intestinal duplication.
- To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and histopathological findings.
- To elucidate the pathogenesis of PMP in this unique context.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 67-year-old woman with abdominal pain.
- Explorative laparoscopy revealing diffuse peritoneal implants.
- Histopathological examination of resected cystic lesion and peritoneal implants.
- Surgical resection of a mesenteric cystic lesion.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis of low-grade PMP (disseminated peritoneal adenomucinosis) was established.
- No primary tumor was initially identified.
- A resected small intestinal duplication cyst revealed a low-grade villous adenoma.
- The adenoma led to a mucocele, causing noninvasive mucinous peritoneal implants.
Conclusions:
- A small intestinal duplication with a villous adenoma can be a rare primary source of PMP.
- This case expands the known etiologies of PMP.
- Understanding rare origins is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of PMP.
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