Appendiceal mucocele – a radiologist’s view

Appendiceal mucocele is an obstructive dilatation of the appendix, which results from the filling of its lumen with mucus. This is a rare condition that is asymptomatic in half of the patients. Its severity depends on the cause of appendiceal dilatation. In a small percentage of cases, the dilated appendix ruptures, leading to the development of serious complication; this is termed as pseudomyxoma peritonei. Due to the possibility of malignant etiology of the mucocele, surgical resection remains an essential part of the treatment.