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International Journal of Surgery Case... 2020Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma is a rare tumor that is very difficult to diagnose. Furthermore, it is a lethal disease, because patients usually have...
INTRODUCTION
Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma is a rare tumor that is very difficult to diagnose. Furthermore, it is a lethal disease, because patients usually have progressed at the time of referral.
PRESENTATION OF THE CASE
We report a 44-year-old man with primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma. He was referred to our hospital for the diagnosis and treatment of a massive pericardial effusion and huge tumor. Pericardiocentesis was performed, but we could not obtain definitive diagnosis, and the cardiac tamponade continued along with the signs/symptoms. He required surgical intervention for the diagnosis and treatment. After surgery, his signs/symptoms improved. He received adjuvant therapy, although he died 7 months after surgery.
DISCUSSION
Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma is a rare tumor. The most common signs and symptoms are related to constriction of the heart by the tumor and/or effusion. Even if the pericardial fluid specimen obtained by pericardiocentesis is negative for malignant cells, primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma should be included in the differential diagnosis. Because the malignancy is usually advanced at the time of diagnosis, it has been difficult to cure. Radiation and chemotherapy have been used in addition to surgery, but have been minimally effective.
CONCLUSION
The outcome of our patient with pericardial malignant mesothelioma was dismal. The indications for surgical intervention should be carefully considered except for critical cases requiring alleviation of immediate life-threating conditions.
PubMed: 32717680
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2020.07.054 -
Salud Colectiva 2017Mesothelioma mortality and its socio-demographic and temporal patterns in Argentina from 1980 to 2013 were estimated using data from death certificates obtained from the...
Mesothelioma mortality and its socio-demographic and temporal patterns in Argentina from 1980 to 2013 were estimated using data from death certificates obtained from the Vital Statistics System of Argentina's National Ministry of Health. There were 3,259 mesothelioma deaths corresponding to an age-adjusted mortality of 3.1/1,000,000 in 1980 and 5.7/1,000,000 in 2013, an average increase of 84.1% in 34 years. This raising trend became clearer after 1997. Males had higher mortality estimates compared with women in every year of the series; these findings suggest past exposure to asbestos. It is plausible that the asbestos exposure was mostly occupational, which is more common among men. Actions related to reinforcing the asbestos ban already in place and strengthening health surveillance directed at workplaces, previously exposed workers, and the population in general are recommended.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Argentina; Female; Heart Neoplasms; Humans; Male; Mesothelioma; Middle Aged; Pericardium; Peritoneal Neoplasms; Pleural Neoplasms; Young Adult
PubMed: 28562724
DOI: 10.18294/sc.2017.1027 -
Molecular and Clinical Oncology Nov 2016A 37-year-old female smoker without a history of exposure to asbestos was referred to our hospital with persistent pericardial effusion. Chest computed tomography...
A 37-year-old female smoker without a history of exposure to asbestos was referred to our hospital with persistent pericardial effusion. Chest computed tomography imaging examination revealed an irregular thickened pericardium with large amounts of pericardial effusion and a small pleural effusion. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography imaging demonstrated intrapericardial FDG accumulation. Blood tests revealed an increase in serum mesothelin levels. Examination of a surgically resected specimen revealed a grayish-white thickening of the pericardium, with a straw-colored mucinous pericardial effusion. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of epithelioid malignant mesothelioma. Although the patient's condition temporarily improved, with decreased levels of serum mesothelin during chemotherapy with carboplatin and pemetrexed, she succumbed to cardiac tamponade 18 months after the initial onset of the symptoms. Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma (PMPM) is an extremely rare and refractory disorder. Thus, an early definitive diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial for the management of PMPM.
PubMed: 27900083
DOI: 10.3892/mco.2016.1019 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... 2016Mesotheliomas are relatively rare tumors in Lebanon. The only previous study goes back to 14 years ago, when we published epidemiological characteristics of...
BACKGROUND
Mesotheliomas are relatively rare tumors in Lebanon. The only previous study goes back to 14 years ago, when we published epidemiological characteristics of mesotheliomas in Lebanon, showing that the pleural location accounted for the vast majority of cases, with clear evidence of asbestos exposure from the Eternit factory of Chekka region. The objective of this current study was to estimate the incidence of mesothelioma in the past decade and to identify its epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic characteristics, making comparisons with our first study published in 2001.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between 2002 and 2014, patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma at Hotel-Dieu de France University Hospital were investigated. Epidemiological data focusing on asbestos exposure history were collected from medical records and interviews with the families.
RESULTS
A total of 26 patients were diagnosed with mesothelioma, 21 of which were successfully investigated. The mean age of these 21 patients is 62.5 (19-82). Only 3 (14.29%) are women. 18 (85.71%) were smokers. Among the 21 available mesotheliomas, 15 (71.4%) are pleural, while 5 (23.8%) are peritoneal and 1 (4.8%) pericardial. Only 60% of patients with pleural mesothelioma and 50% of those with an obvious exposure to asbestos lived and/or worked in Chekka region. The mean time of asbestos exposure in patients with mesothelioma is 24.5 (1-50) years and the mean latency is 37.4 (4-61) years. Of the 21 patients, 10 (47.6%) underwent surgery during their treatment, 16 (76.2%) received chemotherapy and 3 (14.3%) received best supportive care.
CONCLUSIONS
Compared to the previous study (1991-2000), substantial changes in the epidemiology of mesothelioma in Lebanon were observed, such as an increase in peritoneal localizations and a lower correlation with Chekka region asbestos contamination.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Asbestos; Female; Humans; Incidence; Lebanon; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Mesothelioma; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Middle Aged; Occupational Exposure; Peritoneal Neoplasms; Peritoneum; Pleura; Pleural Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 27644679
DOI: No ID Found -
Cancer Biology & Medicine Feb 2018Malignant mesotheliomas are rather uncommon neoplasms associated primarily with asbestos exposure; however, they may also arise as second primary malignancies after...
Malignant mesotheliomas are rather uncommon neoplasms associated primarily with asbestos exposure; however, they may also arise as second primary malignancies after radiation therapy, with a latency period of 15-25 years. Numerous studies have reported an association between pleural malignant mesothelioma and chest radiation performed for other malignancies; on the other hand, post-irradiation mesotheliomas of the pericardium have been reported in only a few published cases to date, and no homozygous deletion of 9p21 has been described in such cases. We report the case of a 48-year-old man with a history of Hodgkin's lymphoma and no prior asbestos exposure who developed pericardial malignant epithelioid mesothelioma. We further discuss the cytologic, histologic, immunophenotypic, and fluorescence hybridization findings in this case. To our knowledge, this is the first well-documented case of post-radiation pericardial malignant mesothelioma showing homozygous deletion of 9p21. Homozygous deletion of 9p21, the locus harboring the p16 gene, is present in post-irradiation pericardial malignant mesothelioma.
PubMed: 29545973
DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2017.0169 -
Translational Cancer Research May 2022Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma (PMPM) is a highly malignant tumor originating in the pericardium serosum with clinical manifestations presenting as...
BACKGROUND
Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma (PMPM) is a highly malignant tumor originating in the pericardium serosum with clinical manifestations presenting as constrictive pericarditis, with pericardial tamponade and heart failure. Malignant pericardial mesothelioma is rare and has a poor prognosis, with an average survival time of 6-10 months.
CASE DESCRIPTION
Herein, we report the case of a 57-year-old female who developed chest tightness and panic for no obvious reason. She was diagnosed with tuberculous pericarditis via multiple examinations including positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), pleural biochemical routine, tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) test, T cell spot (T-SPOT) test, and echocardiography, and was experienced intermittent relief after anti-tuberculosis treatment. On 21 July, 2020, pericardiectomy was performed due to poor therapeutic effect, and the postoperative pathological diagnosis was malignant mesothelioma. After discussing treatment plans and considering the prognosis, the patient opted for palliative care. Subsequently, her symptoms gradually worsened, with chest tightness, shortness of breath, palpitations at rest, frequent arrhythmias, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and multiple plasma chamber effusions. This case showed that the most common misdiagnosis of PMPM is tuberculous pericarditis, which needs to be differentiated from pleural mesothelioma with pericardial metastasis.
CONCLUSIONS
The diagnosis of PMPM is usually made by pathologic surgery or histopathological examination to determine the specific disease location. In addition, pericardiocentesis fluid exfoliation cytology, imaging and echocardiography can assist diagnosis. Due to the lack of effective treatment for PMPM, timely surgery and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy are needed to improve the quality of life of patients and prolong their survival time.
PubMed: 35706788
DOI: 10.21037/tcr-22-778 -
Cancers Jun 2022Malignant mesothelioma (MMe) is a rare malignancy originating from the linings of the pleural, peritoneal and pericardial cavities. The best-defined risk factor is...
Malignant mesothelioma (MMe) is a rare malignancy originating from the linings of the pleural, peritoneal and pericardial cavities. The best-defined risk factor is exposure to carcinogenic mineral fibers (e.g., asbestos). Genomic studies have revealed that the most frequent genetic lesions in human MMe are mutations in tumor suppressor genes. Several genetically engineered mouse models have been generated by introducing the same genetic lesions found in human MMe. However, most of these models require specialized breeding facilities and long-term exposure of mice to asbestos for MMe development. Thus, an alternative model with high tumor penetrance without asbestos is urgently needed. We characterized an orthotopic model using MMe cells derived from mice chronically injected with asbestos. These MMe cells were tumorigenic upon intraperitoneal injection. Moreover, MMe cells showed mixed chromosome and microsatellite instability, supporting the notion that genomic instability is relevant in MMe pathogenesis. In addition, microsatellite markers were detectable in the plasma of tumor-bearing mice, indicating a potential use for early cancer detection and monitoring the effects of interventions. This orthotopic model with rapid development of MMe without asbestos exposure represents genomic instability and specific molecular targets for therapeutic or preventive interventions to enable preclinical proof of concept for the intervention in an immunocompetent setting.
PubMed: 35804881
DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133108 -
Iranian Journal of Radiology : a... Jan 2016Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignant neoplasm of the pleura that typically affects individuals occupationally exposed to asbestos through a variety...
BACKGROUND
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignant neoplasm of the pleura that typically affects individuals occupationally exposed to asbestos through a variety of industries. MPM presents with several CT features similar to more common pleural diseases such as metastatic pleural malignancy.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study is to differentiate malignant pleural mesothelioma from metastatic carcinoma of the pleura by pathological and radiological assessment in order to investigate accuracy of CT scan in this regard and to compare CT features of these two malignancies.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Chest CT scans of 55 pleural malignancy patients including MPM and metastatic pleural malignancy were evaluated in this retrospective study. The pathologist made the definite diagnosis based on immunohistochemistry. A chest radiologist unaware of the pathology diagnosis observed all CT scans. Several parameters including pleural thickening, pleural effusion, thickening of inter lobar fissure, contralateral extension, contraction of involved hemithorax, parenchymal involvement (infiltration, nodules, fibrosis), pleural mediastinal involvement, lymphadenopathy, extrapleural invasion (hepatic, chest wall, diaphragm, intraperitoneal), and pericardial involvement were checked. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 16, and the ability of CT scan to differentiate malignant pleural mesothelioma and metastatic pleural diseases was investigated.
RESULTS
Totally 29 males and 26 females were assessed in this study. Based on pathology, 17 MPM and 38 metastatic pleural malignancies were diagnosed. According to CT study, about 82% of the patients with MPM and about 79% of the patients with metastatic pleural diseases were correctly diagnosed by a radiologist. The most common findings suggestive of MPM were pleural thickening (88.2%), loculated effusion (58.8%), and thickening of the interlobar fissure (47.1%). Whereas free pleural effusion (71.7%), parenchymal infiltration (65.8%) and pleural thickening (63.2%) were most prevalent parameters among metastatic cases.
CONCLUSION
CT scan is highly accurate in differentiating malignant pleural mesothelioma and metastatic pleural diseases. Pleural thickening and thickening of interlobar fissure lead us to the diagnosis of MPM and massive free pleural effusion is more commonly seen in metastatic pleural malignancy.
PubMed: 27110327
DOI: 10.5812/iranjradiol.10949 -
Romanian Journal of Internal Medicine =... Sep 2016Malignant pericardial effusion occurs in one tenth of all cancers. It is a very serious disorder that is mainly a secondary process due to metastasis because primary...
BACKGROUND
Malignant pericardial effusion occurs in one tenth of all cancers. It is a very serious disorder that is mainly a secondary process due to metastasis because primary neoplasms of the pericardium such as mesotheliomas, sarcomas being exceedingly rare [corrected]. Pericardial effusion specimens are uncommon and to the best of our knowledge the current study is the largest systematic evaluation of pericardial fluid cytology performed to date.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Pericardial effusion specimens from 145 patients collected over a 25 [corrected] year period were studied by cytology [corrected]. The minimum pericardial fluid volume used for adequate cytologic diagnosis in these patients was more than 60 mL.
RESULTS
Cytological diagnosis revealed malignant pericardial exudates in 100% of the studied patients [corrected].
CONCLUSIONS
Cytology provides an immediate and accurate means of diagnosis. Immunocytology is very important in the diagnostic evaluation.
Topics: Cardiac Tamponade; Humans; Neoplasms; Pericardial Effusion; Pericardiocentesis
PubMed: 27658166
DOI: 10.1515/rjim-2016-0026 -
BMJ Open Nov 2022Mesothelioma is a heterogeneous disease that can be challenging to monitor and prognosticate. ASSESS-meso is a multicentre, prospective, longitudinal observational...
INTRODUCTION
Mesothelioma is a heterogeneous disease that can be challenging to monitor and prognosticate. ASSESS-meso is a multicentre, prospective, longitudinal observational cohort study of patients with mesothelioma. The primary aim is to describe different clinical phenotypes and investigate predictive and prognostic factors, including biomarkers from blood and pleural fluid. The secondary aim is to provide a resource for future trials and substudies.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
We aim to recruit 700 patients with a histological, cytological or clinicopathological diagnosis of mesothelioma, at any anatomical site (pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, etc). Longitudinal data will be collected, including clinical information, radiological investigations, blood tests and patient-reported outcome measures for breathlessness, chest pain and sweats. Preplanned analyses will use Cox proportional hazards method to evaluate factors associated with survival, linear and logistic regression models to investigate associations with symptoms, and analysis of variance modelling to explore changes in symptoms over time.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
Ethical approval has been granted by the Research Ethics Committee South West-Central Bristol (17-SW-0019) and Health Research Authority (IRAS ID 220360). A study steering committee has been established and results will be published OpenAccess in peer-reviewed journals.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
ISRCTN: 61861764.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Lung Neoplasms; Mesothelioma; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Biomarkers; Demography; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 36357003
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-060850