2001 Volume 41 Issue 7 Pages 773-777
Background: Malignant mesothelioma is relatively rare but is increasing in frequency. Diagnosis can not be made based on the analysis of blood and pleural effusion alone, since the findings are not specific to this tumor. We report a case of malignant mesothelioma similar to empyema in clinical symptoms.
Case: A 55-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with cough, dyspnea and fever. On admission, he had leukocytosis, increased CRP level in serum, and left pleural effusion on chest radiography. Neutrophilia in the pleural effusion suggested empyema. Since his symptoms did not improve under the administration of antibiotics and chest tube drainage, pleurectomy was performed. Post-operative pathological examination revealed a malignant mesothelioma.
Conclusion: Even in patients with fever and leukocytosis, malignant mesothelioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
