Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma masquerading as tuberculous pericarditis

Abstract

A patient with primary malignant pericardial mesotheliomar had symptoms, including a family history of tuberculosis, which led to a mistaken diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis. The true nature of the disease was diagnosed during surgical exploration. The tumour had spread over the surface of the heart, superior vena cava, the root of the aorta and the pulmonary trunk. The patient subsequently died.