Pseudomyxoma peritonei

Abstract

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a relatively rare and poorly understood condition in which mucus accumulates within the peritoneal cavity. The presence of cells in the mucin, either inflammatory or neoplastic, distinguishes it from simple acellular mucus ascites caused by mucinous spillage. There is widespread seeding of the peritoneal and omental surfaces with a heavy cancerous glaze. This is principally a complication of borderline or malignant neoplasm of the ovary and/or appendix. This paper describes two cases of previously healthy women who both presented with an acute abdomen, and were diagnosed postoperatively with pseudomyxoma peritonei. In addition, literature on the clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options has been briefly reviewed.

Pseudomyxoma Peritonei: A Rare Case Report with Review of Literature

“…Age of presentation is 50-70 years, have female preponderance with high rate of recurrence [4]. In our case the patient is female and age was 50 years in concordance with other studies.…”

“…In our case the patient is female and age was 50 years in concordance with other studies. Fox and Langely proposed the development of this condition due to foreign body reaction, following spillage of mucus from ruptured cysts into the peritoneal cavity [4]. Benign, malignant and intermediate forms have been described [6].…”

“…Both of them were found in this case. Advancing abdominal disease caused by intestinal obstruction accounts for majority of morbidity and mortality [4].…”

“…He described that the accumulation of gelatinous pseudomucin in the peritoneum is due to perforation of ovarian cystomas [3]. But later it was proved to be arising more commonly from appendiceal tumor [4]. Diagnosis always requires clinical suspicion followed by commuted tomography and histopathological findings [3].…”

Successful pregnancy in a patient with pseudomyxoma peritonei following in-vitro fertilization using donor eggs

“…It preferentially affects women in the age range of 29–76 years with a peak at 53 years. [2] The patients with PMP usually present with nonspecific complaints namely – nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain, distension or a mass in the abdomen – and the diagnosis is usually made accidentally, at surgery. In advanced stages, it may lead to fistula formation and adhesions, with partial or complete bowel obstruction.…”