Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma presenting with cardiac tamponade

INTRODUCTION: Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma is a rare tumor that is very difficult to diagnose. Furthermore, it is a lethal disease, because patients usually have progressed at the time of referral. PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: We report a 44-year-old man with primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma. He was referred to our hospital for the diagnosis and treatment of a massive pericardial effusion and huge tumor. Pericardiocentesis was performed, but we could not obtain definitive diagnosis, and the cardiac tamponade continued along with the signs/symptoms. He required surgical intervention for the diagnosis and treatment. After surgery, his signs/symptoms improved. He received adjuvant therapy, although he died 7 months after surgery. DISCUSSION: Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma is a rare tumor. The most common signs and symptoms are related to constriction of the heart by the tumor and/or effusion. Even if the pericardial fluid specimen obtained by pericardiocentesis is negative for malignant cells, primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma should be included in the differential diagnosis. Because the malignancy is usually advanced at the time of diagnosis, it has been difficult to cure. Radiation and chemotherapy have been used in addition to surgery, but have been minimally effective. CONCLUSION: The outcome of our patient with pericardial malignant mesothelioma was dismal. The indications for surgical intervention should be carefully considered except for critical cases requiring alleviation of immediate life-threating conditions.