Key result
Rare primary pericardial angiosarcoma grossly and microscopically mimics malignant diffuse mesothelioma.
Case Report (n=1)
Primary angiosarcoma of the pericardium can grossly and microscopically mimic malignant mesothelioma, highlighting the importance of immunohistochemical staining for accurate diagnosis.
IHC is essential to distinguish pericardial angiosarcoma from mesothelioma mimics; this case leaves open broader diagnostic validation.
The pathology of a rare case of primary diffuse angiosarcoma of the pericardium is reported. Grossly, the heart was entirely encased by the pericardial tumor, and the myocardium was only superficially invaded by the tumor. The tumor tissue extended directly to the mediastinum, where the great vessels were embedded in the tumor. A few minute distant metastases were found only in the bilateral lungs and pulmonary hilar lymph nodes. Microscopically, the tumor tissue was composed of malignant cells forming vascular channels admixed with solid areas. Histo- and immunohistochemically, no mesothelial characteristics were evident. Factor VIII-related antigen and Ulex europaeus I lectin were positive, implying that the tumor was of vascular origin. Grossly, and in part microscopically, this case resembled malignant diffuse mesothelioma, indicating that pericardial angiosarcoma may sometimes mimick malignant mesothelioma.
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Terada et al. (1988) conducted a case report in Primary diffuse angiosarcoma of the pericardium (n=1). Pathological and immunohistochemical examination was evaluated on Pathological and immunohistochemical characteristics. Pathological and immunohistochemical analysis of a rare pericardial tumor revealed primary angiosarcoma of vascular origin that grossly and microscopically mimicked malignant diffuse mesothelioma.
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