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Updated: Oct 1, 2026
A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
[A case of primary malignant retroperitoneal mesothelioma needed to differentiate adrenal tumor]
Keitarou Kojima1, Masayoshi Tamaki, Shinichi Maeda
1Department of Urology, Toyota Memorial Hospital.
Abstract:
Malignant mesothelioma is a neoplasm which tends to develop along serosal surfaces, such as the pleura and peritoneum. We report a rare case of malignant retroperitoneal mesothelioma in a 27-year-old woman. The patient was admitted with a chief compliant of intermittent high fever once a month, and left retroperitoneal tumor was detected by dynamic abdominal computed tomography. Since an adrenal tumor was suspected, laparoscopic tumor extirpation was performed. Immunohistochemically tumor cells were positive for calretinin and thrombomodulin, but negative for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and Ber-Ep4. Based on these findings, primary malignant retroperitoneal mesothelioma was diagnosed.
Insights
This case study details a rare malignant retroperitoneal mesothelioma in a young woman. Diagnosis was confirmed through immunohistochemistry, highlighting this unusual presentation of neoplastic disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma typically affects serosal surfaces like the pleura and peritoneum.
- Retroperitoneal mesotheliomas are exceptionally rare neoplasms.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old woman presented with intermittent high fevers.
- Dynamic abdominal computed tomography revealed a left retroperitoneal tumor, initially suspected to be adrenal.
Findings:
- Laparoscopic tumor extirpation was performed.
- Immunohistochemistry showed tumor cells positive for calretinin and thrombomodulin.
- Tumor cells were negative for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and Ber-Ep4.
Implications:
- The findings support a diagnosis of primary malignant retroperitoneal mesothelioma.
- This case expands the known locations for malignant mesothelioma.
- Highlights the importance of immunohistochemistry in diagnosing rare tumors.