Pseudomyxoma Peritonei: A Challenging Clinical Diagnosis. Case Report and Review of the Literature

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a clinical entity of subtle onset abdominal pain, ascites, and distention associated with characteristic imaging. In most cases, laparoscopic exploration will give the definitive diagnosis and histopathologic verification. However, usually there are difficulties in the diagnosis of this disease.

Herein, we present a case of a 51-year-old female who developed ascites over 5 months. An investigational laparotomy established the diagnosis of PMP, after the discovery of a mucinous, grey-brown tumor that was CK20 positive and CK7 negative. Subsequently, chemotherapy with oxaliplatin combined with 5-FU (FOLFOX4 regimen), was initiated and the patient survived for 30 months. We also present a comprehensive review of the English literature concerning the different symptoms and radiological findings of this rare entity. According to the literature review, 35 cases of PMP with different clinical and radiological findings have been described. In the majority of the cases, ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was orientating towards a proper diagnosis before a diagnostic laparotomy.

The combination of a clinical picture with the characteristic imaging findings enables a prompt diagnosis of PMP, making prognosis more favorable.