ABSTRACT
Objective To analyze the CT manifestation and clinical characteristics of appendiceal mucinous tumor for improving the diagnostic and therapeutic level. Methods The CT and clinical data of 7 patients with appendiceal mucinous tumor verified by histopathology were retrospectively analyzed. Results Among the 7 cases, mucinous cystadenomas was in 6 cases, and mucinous cystadenocarcinoma was in 1 case. One case had no obvious discomfort;3 cases visited because of pain on right hypogastrium and fever;3 cases had the medical history ofchronic appendicitis, among whom 2 cases had the mass on right hypogastrium which had existed for 1 day or 2 years. The unenhanced CT showed that all of 7 cases had the cystic tumors on right hypogastrium near the cecum, and the maximum traverse diameter was 25-208 (67 ± 27) mm. The cyst walls of mucinous cystadenoma in 6 cases were flimsy, symmetrical, 2.3-3.5 mm thickness and smooth. Three cases had cyst walls calcification; the cyst wall of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma was thick and asymmetrical, and the thickness of cyst wall was 3.5-5.7 mm. Small nodes could be found inside the walls. 7 cases had much mucilage, with CT value 14.0-33.5 HU. Four cases had slight septa. The enhanced CT showed that the cyst walls of mucinous cystadenoma in 6 cases were mild to moderate continuous enhancement during venous phase; the cyst wall and nodes mucinous cystadenocarcinoma was obvious and continuous enhancement. Four cases showed clear boundary, while 3 cases accompanied with acute inflammation showed dim edge. The enlargement of lymphatic nodes could be seen near mesentery in 1 case. All the 7 cases were treated by surgical treatment. One patient who survived after 26 months showed the metastasis of peritoneal pseudomyxoma after 20 months. The 6 patients with mucinous cystadenoma were followed up for 18 - 36 months, they did not had metastasis or recurrence by CT review. Conclusions Appendiceal mucinous tumor is often short of characteristic in clinical symptom and physical sign, but has favourable prognosis. CT is a vital tool for its diagnosis and identification.