Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.  2005 May;38(5):392-395.

Multi-loculated Pericardial Mesothelioma: A case report

• Yang HS
• Hwang JJ
• Joo HC
• Lee MK
• Paik HC
• Cho SH

Abstract

Primary pericardial mesothelioma is extremely rare and the incidence is low among the mesotheliomas that originate from other parts of the body. The prognosis of the tumor is unfavorable due to its late presentation, difficulties in early diagnosis and complete resection, and the limited treatment options. Herein, we report a case of pericardial mesothelioma. The patient is a 55-year-old woman who presented with chronic cough and dyspnea. During the examination, pericardial effusion was found and pericardial window formation was followed. She visited our hospital because of persistent dyspnea, with right shoulder and chest pain. Four discrete masses were discovered in the chest CT. CT guided-fine needle aspiration biopsy was negative for malignancy. Right exploratory thoracotomy and partial resection of 3x3 cm mass abutting pericardium was performed and was histologically diagnosed as malignant mesothelioma, biphasic type. Pericardial mesothelioma is rare, but it should be remembered as an important differential diagnosis in patients with persistent pericardial effusion and symptoms of dyspnea and constrictive pericarditis.

Keyword

Pericardium; Pericardial effusion; Mesothelioma

MeSH Terms

Biopsy, Needle
Chest Pain
Cough
Diagnosis, Differential
Dyspnea
Early Diagnosis
Female
Humans
Incidence
Mesothelioma*
Middle Aged
Needles
Pericardial Effusion
Pericarditis, Constrictive
Pericardium
Prognosis
Shoulder
Thoracotomy
Tomography, X-Ray Computed