Mucocele of the Appendix Secondary to Obstruction by Cecal Endometriosis

The mucocele of the appendix is an uncommon abnormality caused by a dilatation of the appendiceal lumen caused by the abnormal accumulation of mucus. It can be associated with other colorectal tumors. Endometriosis of the gastrointestinal tract is also rare, particularly in the cecum. An appendiceal mucocele is usually diagnosed by a radiological study or surgery, however, recently, a colonoscopy is becoming an important diagnostic tool for colon diseases. We report a case of appendiceal mucocele. It is believed that the condition developed as a result of an obstruction of the appendicecal lumen caused by endometriosis, and might have been the cause of the intermittent right lower quadrant pain experience by the patient, which was aggravated during the menstrual period. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2007;34:111-114)