Which term refers to a distended cyst due to mucus in the appendix or colon?

• A. Mucocele
• B. Meckel diverticulum
• C. Volvulus
• D. Abdominal hernia

Answer: (A)

Mucocele describes a mucus-filled dilation that forms a distended cystic structure, most commonly in the appendix and occasionally in the colon. When mucus is produced by the mucosa and accumulates, the lumen expands into a cyst-like sac. In ultrasound, you’d expect to see a cystic, tubular or fusiform structure arising near the cecum/appendix, sometimes with thin walls and mucus as internal echoes, and possibly mural calcifications if chronic. This term specifically conveys a distended cyst due to mucus, which is why it fits best.

The other conditions are not mucus-filled cysts: a Meckel diverticulum is an outpouching of the ileum; volvulus is twisting of bowel causing obstruction; an abdominal hernia is protrusion of contents through a weakness in the abdominal wall.