Torsion of Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm: A Rare Cause of Right Lower Quadrant Abdominal Pain.
Alexander F Bowers, David M Dodson, Alexander J Monson, Courtney Thomas, Aashish Rajesh
Abstract
Open AccessAppendiceal mucinous neoplasms are rare, and torsion of the appendix is exceptionally uncommon. Rupture of an appendiceal mucinous neoplasm can lead to pseudomyxoma peritonei, a condition with high morbidity. We present the case of a 64-year-old male patient with five days of right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Cross-sectional imaging of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a five-centimeter-long, tubular, ring-enhancing lesion, concerning for a mucocele. Intraoperatively, a 360-degree appendiceal torsion was identified, prompting conversion from laparoscopy to laparotomy to avoid mucocele rupture. Pathology confirmed a low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm with negative margins. The patient recovered uneventfully and remained asymptomatic at follow-up. This case underscores the deceptive presentation of a torsed appendiceal mucocele and highlights important technical considerations for optimal operative management of this pathology.