Three Cases of Appendiceal Mucocele Diagnosed by Colonoscopic Examination / 대한소화기내시경학회지

ABSTRACT

Mucocele is a cystic dilatation of the vermiform appendix that contains mucous material. The symptoms are non- specific and the diagnosis is seldom made prior to surgery. The reported prevalence in appendectomy specimens at surgery is 0.2~0.3%. We have recently experienced three cases of appendiceal mucocele by colonoscopic examination. Two cases showed "volcano sign" which is typical colonoscopic feature of a smooth mound with normal overlying mucosa surrounding the appenciceal orifice. The first case was a 67-year-old male who presented for diagnostic work-up of stomach cancer. Abdomen CT suggested appendiceal mucocele, and colonoscopy showed volcano sign of mucocele. The second case was a 56-year-old female patient who had a RLQ pain of 2 months duration. The presumptive diagnosis of appendiceal mucocele was made, and we performed appendectomy. The pathologic finding was a hyperplastic mucocele. The third case was a 48- year-old male who had one month history of RLQ pain. Colonoscopy showed markedly protruding mass in the lumen with hyperemic surface, and appendectomy was performed. The pathologic finding was a hyperplastic mucocele.