[Diffuse malignant mesothelioma. Presentation of 10 cases and review of the literature]

The authors study ten cases of malignant diffuse mesothelioma diagnosed histologically in the CH-Dr-AAM-CSS. Of the ten cases eight were men and two women, from 22 to 73 years of age. No evidence of exposure to asbestos was elicited by the nature of their occupation or their place of residence. The clinical findings in all cases is similar to those found in this type of disease. The radiologic findings were limited: pleural effusion, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary mass. To make a definitive diagnosis it was necessary to use an invasive procedure. Examination of sputum, bronchial washings and endobronchial biopsies did not contribute to the diagnosis. The cytological examination of pleural and ascitic fluid resulted in a diagnosis of malignancy. In four cases the diagnosis was made by closed pleural biopsy; in five other cases it was necessary to obtain specimens by thoracotomy. In the last case the diagnosis was made at autopsy. The authors reviewed the original slides and additional slides from the paraffin blocks of the biopsies and of the autopsy. The diagnoses made by the pathologists were listed according to the classification of the AFIP (1).