[A case report of malignant mesothelioma].

A case of successful surgical removal of a primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma was reported. The patient was a 79-year-old man with a complaint of dyspnea at rest. Chest X-ray study showed enlargement of upper mediastinum. Echocardiogram, computed tomography and MRI revealed a giant mass occupying the pericardial space anterior to the heart with marked pericardial effusion. The right ventricle was severely compressed with this tumor. Total resection of the tumor was achieved because the tumor was localized without invading surrounding tissue. The tumor was 17 x 12 x 10 cm in size and 900 g in weight. Rare growth fashion as a distinct isolated mass was a key of successful outcome.