Clinical presentation of the pseudomyxoma peritonei syndrome

Background: Pseudomyxoma peritonei syndrome is characterized by a gradual e xpansion of mucoid tumour and fluid at specific sites within abdominopelvic regions as a result of a perforated appendiceal adenoma. The aim was to an alyse the presenting symptoms and signs of patients with this condition. Methods: Of 410 patients with appendiceal tumours 217 had the diagnosis of pseudomyxoma peritonei syndrome with histological confirmation. A retrospec tive review of the clinical characteristics that determine presentation was performed. Results: Overall, suspected acute appendicitis was the most common presenta tion (27 per cent). For women the diagnosis was most commonly made while be ing evaluated for an ovarian mass (39 per cent). Increasing abdominal girth was the second most common presentation overall (23 per cent). Thirty pati ents (14 per cent) presented with new-onset hernia, of which the majority ( 26) were inguinal hernias. Conclusion: Consideration of appendicitis, increased abdominal girth, ovari an mass and new-onset hernia as caused by this syndrome may facilitate diag nosis and definitive treatment.