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.