Colonoscopic diagnosis of mucocele of the appendix.
BACKGROUND
Appendiceal mucoceles are uncommon cystic neoplasms characterized by distension of the appendiceal lumen with mucus. There have been no reported series of colonoscopically diagnosed mucoceles with clinicopathologic correlation.


METHODS
A retrospective review of colonoscopies performed at our institution over the past 14 years was undertaken with patient demographics, clinical data, surgical outcomes, and histopathology obtained from hospital records.


METHODS
Seven patients (6 women) with mucocele of the appendix were identified at colonoscopy. Three had complained of right lower quadrant pain. All 7 patients underwent surgical resection. Histopathology demonstrated mucinous cystadenoma in all. No cases revealed carcinoma, and there have been no deaths related to the mucocele.


CONCLUSIONS
Appendiceal mucoceles may be recognized at colonoscopy as a smooth bulbous submucosal lesion of the cecum with an impression formed by the appendiceal orifice. Recognition at colonoscopy is important because it enables accurate diagnosis and directs management. Surgery is recommended in all cases given the risk of malignancy or perforation with resultant pseudomyxoma peritonei.
Zanati
Simon A
SA
Current affiliations: The Centre for Therapeutic Endoscopy and Endoscopic Oncology, Division of Gastroenterology, the Department of Pathology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Martin
John A
JA
Baker
Jeff P
JP
Streutker
Cathy J
CJ
Marcon
Norman E
NE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000379:methods; D001065:Appendix / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002429:Cecal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D015994:Incidence; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009078:Mucocele / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome