BACKGROUND:

Tumours of the appendix are quite rare, with mucinous adenocarcinoma being the most frequent of these tumours. This pathology is even rarer in pregnant patients.

CLINICAL CASE:

43-year-old patient, in the course of 38.1 weeks of her first pregnancy. History: gestational diabetes and morbid obesity. She was hospitalised for emergency caesarean section, indicated for intrauterine growth restriction, with no possibility of expectant management. The first trimester prenatal ultrasound scan showed a cystic mass, septate, measuring approximately 12 x 12 cm. Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen revealed a cystic lesion in the right flank, probably caused by a right adnexal mass measuring 12 x 9 cm. Histopathological study reported the finding of a low-grade mucinous neoplasm associated with extramural extravasation of mucin from the cecal appendix and a peritoneal pseudomyxoma.

CONCLUSION:

The finding of a mucinous neoplasm of the appendix in a pregnant patient is extremely rare. It is challenging to diagnose, especially in those without symptoms. Although there are more common conditions in women, such as ovarian tumours or appendicitis, this condition is worth considering in future patients. Further investigation of this neoplasm in pregnant women is needed to optimise diagnostic methods to treat it in a timely manner and to avoid harm to the foetus or the mother.

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