Mucocele of the appendix: A comprehensive case report and literature review
Appendiceal mucocele, a rare condition characterized by the accumulation of mucus in the appendix, presents a diagnostic challenge due to its nonspecific clinical features. We present the case of a 60-year-old female with recurrent right lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, and anorexia, suggestiv...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Indian Journal of Community and Family Medicine |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/ijcfm.ijcfm_30_24 |
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| Summary: | Appendiceal mucocele, a rare condition characterized by the accumulation of mucus in the appendix, presents a diagnostic challenge due to its nonspecific clinical features. We present the case of a 60-year-old female with recurrent right lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, and anorexia, suggestive of appendicular origin. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a hypoechoic cystic mass, prompting further investigation with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which confirmed an inflamed appendix. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a retroperitoneal cavity containing mucous gelatinous material, indicative of a mucocele. Histopathological examination confirmed extensive mucosal sloughing, neutrophilic infiltrate, lymphoma cells, and muciphages, along with areas of dystrophic calcification and fibrosis. The patient recovered postoperatively and remained symptom-free during follow-up. Appendiceal mucocele poses a diagnostic challenge due to its variable presentation and resemblance to other abdominal pathologies. Radiological imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosis, with abdominal ultrasound and MRI aiding in preoperative evaluation. Surgical resection remains the cornerstone of management, with laparotomy preferred to avoid mucocele rupture. |
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| ISSN: | 2395-2113 2666-3120 |