APPENDICEAL MUCOCELE MIMICKING A CYSTIC RIGHT ADNEXAL MASS

Objective: Appendiceal mucocele is formed by cystic dilatation, abnormal mucinous secretion and epithelial proliferation of the appendiceal lumen. Mucocele may be a finding in cases of benign or malignant neoplasms, and can lead to the development of pseudomyxoma peritonei. Case Report: A 71-year-old woman presented with a 3-day history of right lower abdominal pain radiating to her right thigh. A simple 5 x 7 cm cyst with smooth borders and a thick capsule was detected in the right adnexal area by transvaginal ultrasonography. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a 4 x 8 cm cystic lesion in the area of the right ovary. The patient was admitted to our clinic with an initial diagnosis of adnexal cyst, later found to be appendiceal mucocele. Conclusion: The signs and symptoms of appendiceal mucocele are not specific. Because of its anatomic position, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of adnexal masses. [Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2009; 48(4):412-414]