[Diagnosis of mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix by ultrasound and analysis of the misdiagnosed cases].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the ultrasound characteristics of mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix and evaluate its diagnostic value.

METHODS: Fourteen cases of mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix were diagnosed by ultrasonic examination and confirmed by surgery and pathology. The ultrasound findings and distribution of color Doppler flow signals were observed and analyzed in comparison with the surgical and pathological results.

RESULTS: Ultrasound revealed a unilocular or multilocular cystic mass located in the right lower quadrant area with clear boarders, smooth and thick wall, and inconsistent internal echogenicity. The maximal outer diameter of the mass was 2 cm or greater in attachment to the cecum, lacking of periileal inflammatory changes such as in the periileal lymph nodes and echogenic periappendiceal epiploon.

CONCLUSION: Ultrasound is of high value in the diagnosis of mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix.