Mucocele of the appendix

The knowledge of the diagnostic imaging methods features of the mucocele of the appendix is important for a correct preoperative diagnosis, especially to avoid the formation of pseudomyxoma peritonei. A case of a mucocele of the appendix with a special sonographic appearance by a patient with an additional carcinoma of the left kidney is reported. The computertomographic and radiological features of the mucocele (plain abdominal film, i.v. urography, barium enema) are presented and discussed with a review of the literature. A sonographically-guided fine-needle puncture of the mucocele was performed. Its importance for the diagnosis is discussed. (orig.)