Case report describes recurrent hydropneumothorax as a rare initial manifestation of malignant pleural mesothelioma, highlighting the need for tissue sampling to avoid delayed diagnosis.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive pleural malignancy typically associated with asbestos exposure and characterized by a prolonged latency period, often resulting in delayed diagnosis. Although pleural effusion and pleural thickening are common presentations, recurrent hydropneumothorax is an uncommon initial manifestation. Given the broad differential diagnosis of hydropneumothorax, recurrent cases require a thorough clinical and occupational history and appropriate diagnostic evaluation to avoid overlooking an underlying MPM. This case report describes an uncommon initial presentation of MPM and discusses when it is necessary to obtain a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
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Goedseels et al. (2026) studied this question.
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