Primary pericardial mesothelioma

Primary pericardial mesothelioma

Unlike the pleural mesothelioma, direct link to asbestosis in case of primary pericardial mesothelioma has not been established [1]. It is a very rare malignant tumour of the pericardium with around 150 cases reported. Yet it represents half of primary pericardial tumours. It is a malignancy of the mesothelial cells lining the visceral or parietal pericardium.

Majority of cases occur between fourth and seventh decade and a male preponderance has been noted. They can present with large pericardial effusions which can be fatal [2]. In general it is an aggressive disease with survival less than 6 months. In one case report, initial chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy was given. Still tumour progression was noted at 10 months after the end of radiotherapy and second line chemotherapy was given. Survival in this case was 16 months from diagnosis [3].

Reference

  1. Maleszewski JJ, Bois MC, Bois JP, Young PM, Stulak JM, Klarich KW. Neoplasia and the Heart: Pathological Review of Effects With Clinical and Radiological Correlation. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018 Jul 10;72(2):202-227.
  2. Patel J, Sheppard MN. Primary malignant mesothelioma of the pericardium. Cardiovasc Pathol. 2011 Mar-Apr;20(2):107-9.
  3. Santos C, Montesinos J, CastaƱer E, Sole JM, Baga R. Primary pericardial mesothelioma. Lung Cancer. 2008 May;60(2):291-3.