[Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma temporarily reduced by radiation therapy: a case report]

A 47-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of cardiomegaly and pericardial effusion. She complained of a cough. Computed tomography, echocardiography, and magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass on the pericardium. Exploratory surgery revealed a solid tumor invading the pericardium over the aortic arch and main pulmonary artery. Histological examination indicated primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma. After 58 Gy radiation, the size of the tumor was temporarily reduced and the patient's symptoms disappeared. However, the tumor enlarged and her symptoms reappeared 7 months after temporary improvement. Eighteen months after the development of cough, the patient died suddenly.