Extrinsic ileal occlusion secondary to appendiceal mucocele of unusual size.

Appendiceal mucocele due to papilar cystadenoma is a rare condition, characterized by a diffuse swelling, a distension of the lumen secondary to accumulation of mucoid substance and occasional mucinous intraperitoneal deposits. It is often asymptomatic (approximately 25%) and is found incidentally during abdominal imaging studies or surgical exploration. Pre-operative recognition is difficult but very important because of the possibility of rupture during surgery with the development of pseudomyxoma peritonei. A case of benign mucocele presenting acutely as an occlusive syndrome is reported. The surgical treatment consisted of an appendicectomy with partial caecectomy. The clinicopathological and imaging diagnostic features of this pathological entity, as well as the main therapeutic approaches suggested in the literature, are commented on.