Uncommon Mimics of Appendicitis: Giant Mucocele
Author Information
Author(s): Fatima Ezzahra Zahid, Ibn Majdoub Karim, Hicham Anoune, Ousadden Abdelmalk, Mazaz Khalid, Ait Taleb Khalid
Primary Institution: CHU Hassan II Fes, Morocco
Conclusion
Appendiceal mucocele is an uncommon pathology that can be confused with acute appendicitis and is usually discovered incidentally during surgery.
Supporting Evidence
- Appendiceal mucocele can present with a variety of clinical syndromes or can be asymptomatic.
- Histopathological analysis demonstrated a mucinous cystadenoma.
- Most mucoceles are asymptomatic and often found incidentally.
- The average age at diagnosis is 50 years.
- Surgical treatment primarily involves appendectomy.
Takeaway
Sometimes, when doctors think someone has appendicitis, it might actually be a big blob of mucus in the appendix instead. This can be found when they do surgery.
Methodology
A case report of a 55-year-old male patient who underwent surgery for suspected appendicitis, where an appendiceal mucocele was found.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
One 55-year-old male patient.
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