• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.38 no.5 s.250
• /
• pp.392-395
• /
• 2005

Primary pericardial mesothelioma is extremely rare and the incidence is low among the mesotheliomas that originate from other parts of the body. The prognosis of the tumor is unfavorable due to its late presentation, difficulties in early diagnosis and complete resection, and the limited treatment options. Herein, we report a case of pericardial mesothelioma. The patient is a 55-year-old woman who presented with chronic cough and dyspnea. During the examination, pericardial effusion was found and pericardial window formation was followed. She visited our hospital because of persistent dyspnea, with right shoulder and chest pain. Four discrete masses were discovered in the chest CT. CT guided-fine needle aspiration biopsy was negative for malignancy. Right exploratory thoracotomy and partial resection of 3${\times}$3 cm mass abutting pericardium was performed and was histologically diagnosed as malignant mesothelioma, biphasic type. Pericardial mesothelioma is rare, but it should be remembered as an important differential diagnosis in patients with persistent pericardial effusion and symptoms of dyspnea and constrictive pericarditis.