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Updated: Sep 28, 2026
Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines
Published on: April 21, 2022
Malignant mesothelioma of the pericardium: case reports and immunohistochemical studies including Ki-67 expression
Hiroshi Hirano1, Tamaki Maeda, Motomu Tsuji
1Department of Pathology, Toneyama National Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan. patho@toneyama.hosp.go.jp
Abstract:
Pericardial malignant mesothelioma (PMM) is extremely rare compared with pleural cases of mesothelioma. We present the clinical and pathological features of three autopsy cases with PMM. All three cases showed rapid progress and died of heart failure. Detailed examination was obtained from the autopsy. Macroscopic appearances of each case showed a thickened pericardium due to tumor invasion. Microscopic observations of all cases led to a diagnosis of epithelial-type malignant mesothelioma (MM). The results of immunohistochemical examinations were similar to the previous published work on pleural mesothelioma. To disclose the pathological characteristics of PMM, we analyzed Ki-67 labeling index (LI) of three cases of PMM and five cases of pleural MM that died within 2 years. The difference of Ki-67 LI between PMM and pleural MM was not significant (P > 0.05). The poor prognosis of patients with PMM must be caused by restricted cardiac wall motion due to tumor involvement, in addition to the tumor proliferation itself.
Insights
Pericardial malignant mesothelioma (PMM) is a rare cancer. Autopsy cases reveal rapid progression and poor prognosis, likely due to heart function impairment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Pericardial malignant mesothelioma (PMM) is exceptionally rare, contrasting with more common pleural mesothelioma.
- Understanding PMM's clinical and pathological characteristics is crucial due to its rarity.
Observation:
- Three autopsy cases of PMM were analyzed for clinical and pathological features.
- Macroscopic findings included thickened pericardium due to tumor invasion.
- Microscopic examination confirmed epithelial-type malignant mesothelioma, with immunohistochemical results aligning with pleural mesothelioma.
Findings:
- Ki-67 labeling index (LI) in PMM cases did not significantly differ from pleural mesothelioma cases.
- All PMM cases exhibited rapid progression and mortality due to heart failure.
Implications:
- The poor prognosis of PMM is attributed to tumor invasion restricting cardiac function, alongside tumor proliferation.
- Further research into PMM pathogenesis and treatment strategies is warranted.
