Pericardial mesothelioma

Abstract

Primary pericardial mesothelioma is a rare but lethal disease. Altogether there are about 150 cases reported in the literature. In most cases the diagnosis is made at autopsy or postoperatively. Clinical signs and symptoms are typically nonspecific and are similar to compromised cardiac function. Surgical resection remains the main treatment modality. When the disease is localized and completely resected, long-term survival can result. Most often the tumor invades the myocardium or the great vessels and therefore is at best palliative in relieving pericardial tamponade or constriction. Addition of chemotherapy or radiation has been disappointing. Newer therapeutic approaches for malignant pleural mesothelioma are likely to influence the treatment of pericardial mesothelioma in the future.