Aim: to study the clinicopathological features of the different types of appendical mucocele and to compare them with those of pseudomyxoma peritonei.
Methods: 25 cases of appendical mucocele were operated in the Cap-Bon region in Tunisia during a period of 13 years from 1994 to 2006.
Results: 9 retentionnal cysts, 13 mucinous cystadenomas, one serrated adenoma, one hyperplasia of the mucosa and one cystadenocarcinoma were diagnosed. Five cystadenomas as well as the only case of cystadenocarcinoma were associated with pseudomyxoma peritonei. Pseudomyxoma peritonei occurred 20 years later than in simple appendiceal mucocèle and complicated 5 cases of cystadenoma with low grade dysplasia and 1 case of cystadenocarcinoma.
Conclusion: Preoperative diagnosis of appendical mucocele and pseudomyxoma peritonei should be made on scannographic features in order to assess the adequate surgical management.