Gross pathology of an appendectomy specimen reveals an enlarged, dilated appendix with multiple cystic loci containing viscous mucinous material. The specimen measures approximately 8 cm in length with a maximum external diameter near 5 cm; the mucin-filled chambers create a lobulated, sponge-like appearance along the distal portion of the organ. The cut surfaces show translucent to pale-yellow cystic spaces, rimmed by a thin fibrous wall. Histology (described in the accompanying histology image) demonstrates simple mucinous columnar epithelium lining the cystic lumina with goblet cells and abundant mucin, consistent with a mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix. There is no obvious invasion into the serosa reported in this case, supporting a benign mucinous appendiceal neoplasm. Clinically, elderly patients may present with right lower quadrant pain and an ultrasound showing an enlarged appendix; mucinous appendiceal neoplasms can present as appendiceal mucocele and may carry risk of rupture with peritoneal seeding, such as pseudomyxoma peritonei if spilled during surgery. The diagnostic significance lies in distinguishing benign mucinous cystadenoma from mucinous cystadenocarcinoma; surgical resection is curative for localized lesions. Differential diagnoses include mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, mucinous hyperplasia, and nonneoplastic mucocele. This image and description provide essential context for gross-pathology-radiology correlation, surgical planning, and educational prompts on appendiceal mucinous neoplasms.

Clinical photograph showing a gross pathological specimen of a surgically resected appendix, which has been longitudinally opened to reveal its contents. The specimen demonstrates the classic presentation of myxoglobulosis, a rare variant of appendiceal mucocele. The oblong structure features a thickened, hyperemic serosal surface and a distended lumen. Key diagnostic features include the presence of numerous small, translucent-to-white, rounded gelatinous globules measuring a few millimeters in diameter, often described as having a 'fish egg' or 'sago grain' appearance. These globules are composed of organized mucin and are distributed throughout the luminal space. One end of the specimen shows areas of dark congestion or hemorrhage. The specimen is displayed on a sterile white gauze pad. This image illustrates the gross morphological findings critical for distinguishing myxoglobulosis from other mucinous neoplasms of the appendix within the context of gastroenterology and surgical pathology.

This clinical photograph shows a gross surgical specimen of an appendiceal mucocele, presented in a lateral view against a green surgical drape. The specimen is an oblong, distended, comma-shaped cystic mass approximately 15 cm in length. The surface is predominantly pearly white and glistening, indicative of a stretched serosal layer, with diffuse areas of erythema and prominent superficial vascularization. There are focal subserosal hemorrhages or petechiae visible across the curved body of the appendix. At the proximal end (the base), the tissue is intensely congested and hemorrhagic, showing the site of surgical excision where a metallic surgical instrument and a dark suture are visible. The specimen demonstrates the characteristic macroscopic appearance of a mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix, illustrating the significant luminal dilation caused by intraluminal mucin accumulation. This image is relevant for surgical pathology and gastroenterology education, specifically regarding the diagnosis and surgical management of appendiceal neoplasms.

Gross pathology photograph of a surgically excised vermiform appendix. The specimen demonstrates bulbous dilation of the distal (tip) portion with a lobulated, pale-tan surface and fine vascular markings; a portion shows cystic, mucin-filled spaces projecting from the tip. Scale markings (centimeter ruler) are visible for size reference. The interior of the dilated segment contains mucinous material, and the cystic lining is lined by mucin-producing epithelium with cytologic atypia, without obvious stromal invasion on this gross view. The overall pattern is compatible with a benign mucinous cystadenoma (low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm); however, the presence of atypia warrants careful histologic assessment to exclude mucinous cystadenocarcinoma. Radiographic or gross features may include appendiceal mucocele-like dilation. Notably, the lesion has a risk of rupture with potential peritoneal seeding if not completely excised. This image highlights key gross features: bulbous tip expansion, mucin-filled lacunae, delicate mural vasculature, and mucinous epithelium lining. Clinically relevant use cases include educational reference for gastrointestinal pathology, differential diagnosis between benign mucinous cystadenoma and malignant mucinous neoplasms, and correlation with histopathology to guide surgical management and prognosis. This representation is valuable for medical students, residents, and pathologists studying appendiceal mucinous neoplasms and pseudomyxoma peritonei risk assessment in various clinical education settings.

An axial non-contrast computerized tomography (CT) scan of the brain demonstrating an acute epidural (extradural) hematoma. The primary finding is a well-defined, biconvex (lens-shaped), hyperdense fluid collection located in the left occipital region, marked with an asterisk. This hyperdensity is characteristic of an acute hemorrhage within the epidural space, which typically does not cross cranial sutures. Secondary mass effect is visible, characterized by a mild left-to-right midline shift and compression of adjacent brain parenchyma. Anatomical landmarks include the skull base, posterior fossa structures, and the cerebellum. The image illustrates a classic neurosurgical emergency often associated with traumatic skull fractures and arterial bleeding, typically from the middle meningeal artery. This diagnostic image is intended for educational use in emergency medicine, radiology, and neurology to distinguish epidural hematomas from crescent-shaped subdural hematomas.

An axial non-contrast CT scan of the brain demonstrating a large, acute epidural (extradural) hematoma in the left hemisphere. The hematoma presents as a well-defined, biconvex (lenticular), hyperdense collection located between the skull and the dura mater. There is a significant mass effect evidenced by the compression of the left cerebral parenchyma, effacement of the adjacent cortical sulci, and midline shift toward the right. In the contralateral hemisphere, a radiopaque ventricular catheter is visible, extending into the posterior aspect of the right lateral ventricle near the occipital horn. This diagnostic image is representative of neurosurgical trauma emergencies, illustrating the classic appearance of arterial bleeding (typically from the middle meningeal artery) and secondary intracranial hypertension markers. The image serves as an educational resource for identifying acute traumatic intracranial hemorrhage and the presence of neurosurgical shunting devices.

This diagnostic image is an axial non-contrast Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the brain, demonstrating a large, acute epidural (extradural) hematoma. The lesion is located on the right side of the skull and exhibits a classic biconvex or lens-shaped (lentiform) morphology, characterized by a hyperdense appearance relative to the brain parenchyma. The hematoma is clearly demarcated and constrained by the cranial sutures, positioned between the inner table of the skull and the dura mater. The image illustrates a significant mass effect, resulting in the effacement of adjacent sulci, partial compression of the right lateral ventricle, and a notable leftward midline shift of the falx cerebri. These findings are highly characteristic of an acute arterial bleed, typically involving the middle meningeal artery. This scan serves as a critical educational tool for identifying neurosurgical emergencies, understanding intracranial pressure dynamics, and recognizing the radiological hallmarks that differentiate epidural hematomas from crescent-shaped subdural hematomas.

This diagnostic image is a sagittal CT scan of the dorsal spine, demonstrating a large spinal epidural hematoma. The imaging shows a localized, hyperdense collection (increased density) within the posterior extradural space at the thoracic level. This mass effect causes significant anterior displacement and compression of the spinal cord against the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies. Anatomical landmarks include the thoracic vertebral column and the adjacent paraspinal tissues. Notably, the hematoma has displaced the overlying spinous process, pushing it posteriorly/superiorly from its normal alignment. This clinical finding is characteristic of an acute postoperative or traumatic complication, specifically a spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) resulting in spinal cord compression. The scan provides critical evidence for emergency surgical intervention, such as re-exploration and evacuation, to prevent permanent neurological deficit.