Mucocele of the appendix and pseudomyxoma peritonei

Abstract

International audienceA mucocele of the appendix corresponds to mucinous distension of the appendix. Rupture, the most severe complication, leads to pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) which frequently is associated with a poor prognosis. The main role of medical imaging is to provide presurgical diagnosis so that all precautions may be taken to avoid per operative rupture and peritoneal seeding. Early diagnosis of pseudomyxoma is also important to allow early radical surgery in patients with peritoneal involvement to reduce recurrences. Radiologists must be familiar with the imaging features of this entity since imaging frequently is the fist step in the diagnosis and management of this pathology and may contribute in avoiding errors with devastating impact on prognosis. In this pictorial essay, the imaging features of 12 cases of mucocele of the appendix and 8 cases of PMP will be reviewed