Primary pericardial mesothelioma in a 19-year-old presenting as pericarditis

Ann Thorac Surg. 2013 Aug;96(2):680-1. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2013.01.035. Epub 2013 Jan 23.

Abstract

Primary pericardial mesothelioma is a rare clinical entity. The association between asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma has not been well established, partly due to the small number of reported patients. Treatment options are limited for this very aggressive cancer. Surgical resection in the form of pericardiectomy can be curative, but owing to the frequently late presentation, surgical intervention is usually palliative. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have overall poor results. We present the case of a 19-year-old man who initially had symptoms of pericarditis. He died 1 year after initial presentation.

Keywords: 13.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Heart Neoplasms / complications*
  • Heart Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mesothelioma / complications*
  • Mesothelioma / diagnosis
  • Pericarditis / etiology*
  • Pericardium*
  • Young Adult