Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma as a rare cause of ascites: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare tumor with diagnostic and therapeutic problems. The peritoneum is the second most common site for development of mesothelioma, which in 30–45% of cases is associated with a synchronous pleural mesothelioma. Clinical symptoms and findings may be confusing and diagnosis can be easily overlooked especially in cases where there is no previous asbestos exposure. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma in a 75-year-old woman who presented with ascites which, in the absence of inhalational exposure to asbestos, caused diagnostic confusion, and evaded radiological detection. CONCLUSION: We concluded from this case that Peritoneal Mesothelioma although rare but should be considered among the differential diagnosis of Ascites.