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[Cardiac tamponade caused by diffuse pericardial mesothelioma]
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Jichi Medical School.
Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi
|July 1, 1997
Summary
A rare pericardial mesothelioma caused cardiac tamponade in a 75-year-old woman. Palliative surgery relieved symptoms, but the tumor recurred, leading to constrictive pericarditis and death.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Pericardial tumors are rare, and sarcomatous mesothelioma is an aggressive malignancy.
- Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition caused by fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
Observation:
- A 75-year-old woman presented with dyspnea and fever, exhibiting cardiomegaly on chest roentgenogram.
- Advanced imaging revealed a pericardial tumor and significant pericardial effusion, leading to cardiac tamponade.
Findings:
- Histological and immunohistological analysis of biopsy specimens confirmed sarcomatous mesothelioma.
- Echocardiographic-guided biopsy and subsequent pericardial fenestration with tumor resection provided temporary relief from cardiac tamponade.
Implications:
- Palliative tumor resection can improve quality of life by alleviating cardiac tamponade.
- Despite palliative measures, pericardial mesothelioma has a poor prognosis, with a high recurrence rate and potential for fatal constrictive pericarditis.