Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous hydropneumothorax: a rare presentation of bilateral malignant pleural mesothelioma. (15th May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fayed, Hossam E; Woodcock, Victoria K; Grayez, Jamal
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2013
• Publication Date: 2013-05-15
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2013-009350
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : This is a case of a 69-year-old man with a history of asbestos exposure who presented with acute shortness of breath. His chest x-ray showed bilateral hydropneumothorax. Further investigations including CT chest and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery revealed bilateral pleural thickening and histology confirmed epithelioid mesothelioma. This case highlights the need for clinicians to be aware of atypical presentations of malignant pleural mesothelioma as well as the importance of considering underlying secondary causes such as malignancy in the older patient presenting with spontaneous pneumo/hydropneumothorax.