Primary pericardial mesothelioma presenting as constrictive pericarditis -A case report

Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma is a rare tumor and the case rep orted here presented as constrictive pericarditis. The patient's symptoms p rogressed day by day despite treatment with digitalis, diuretics and catech olamines. Although a computed tomographic scan of the chest, echocardiograp hy and pericardiocentesis were performed, a preoperative definitive diagnos is could not be obtained. Emergency pericardiectomy and partial resection o f the tumor were carried out with the aid of a percutaneous cardiopulmonary supporting system, but the patient died of cardiac failure on postoperativ e day 3. The tumor appeared to be the biphasic type of diffuse malignant me sothelioma. The prognosis for pericardial mesothelioma is extremely poor du e to its late presentation and difficulty in completely removing it surgica lly and, unfortunately, there still is not a radical therapy for this tumor .