A mesothelioma arising in the pericardium is a rare tumor that can be difficult to manage.
Features of primary pericardial mesothelioma:
(1) The patient often has a history of exposure to asbestos.
(2) Signs and symptoms may include: dyspnea, productive cough, substernal chest pain, orthopnea, lethargy and weight loss.
(3) The patient may be initially diagnosed as cardiac tamponade, constrictive pericarditis or viral pericarditis.
(4) Imaging studies such as MRI is helpful in defining the extent of the tumor.
(5) The diagnosis usually made by histologic exam of a pericardial biopsy. Cytology performed on pericardial fluid may be negative.
(6) The diagnosis requires exclusion of alternative diagnoses. A patient can have both primary pleural and pericardial mesotheliomas.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Hematology Oncology, Surgery, general, Pulmonology
