Atypical Malignant Mesothelioma Characterized with Massive Effusion: Computed Tomography Findings

Abstract

Malignant mesothelioma may present with recurrent pleural effusion despite repeated aspirations. Especially in old patients with recurrent pleural effusion causing chest pain and dyspnea discordant with its amount, malignant mesothelioma should be thought in the differential diagnosis. In this case, we presented the radiological findings and computed tomography images of a patient with malignant mesothelioma and progressive pleural effusion, in whom malignant cells were not detected at the initial thoracentesis.

Keywords

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Masif Efüzyonla Başlayan Atipik Bir Malign Mezotelyoma Olgusu: Bilgisayarlı Tomografi Bulguları

Öz

Malign mezotelyoma, aspire edilmesine rağmen tekrarlayan plevral efüzyon şeklinde klinik bulgu verebilir. Özellikle yaşlı hastalarda tekrarlayan, miktarıyla uyumsuz bir şiddetde dispne ve göğüs ağrısı yapan efüzyon varlığında, ayırıcı tanıda malign mezotelyoma da düşünülmelidir. Bu yazımızda, başlangıçta yapılan plevral efüzyon aspirasyonunda malign hücre saptanmayan, ancak zaman içerisinde progresyon göstererek malign mezotelyoma tanısı alan bir olgunun radyolojik bulguları ve bilgisayarlı tomografi görüntüleri sunulmuştur.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Malign mezotelyoma, plevral efüzyon, bilgisayarli tomografi

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8. Kabul Tarihi: 21.03.2008