Diverticula of the Appendix

Background

This rare disease occurs in 0.004-2% of appendectomies but this may represent an underestimation since many are small (<0.5cm) and may be overlooked. In addition, inflammation usually associated with diverticular disease may obliterate the gross findings. Acquired cases are 10x more common than congenital cases.

The importance of making this diagnosis is the growing recognition of this rare finding with low grade mucinous tumors of the appendix and possible association with pseudomyxoma peritonei. One study of 32 cases of appendices which had been diagnosed with mucocele, diverticulum, cystadenoma, or adenoma were reviewed. In 8 of 32 cases (25%), a low-grade mucinous neoplasm and diverticulum were found. This translated to 8 of 19 low grade mucinous neoplasms were associated with a diverticula (42%). Of these appendices, one was associated with pseudomyxoma peritonei while three had dissecting acellular mucin within the wall and four showed diverticular perforation.

Mod Pathol 2000;13:495-501.

Commonly Used Terms

Pseudomyxoma peritonei -See term.

Last Updated 4/1/2001