(18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose imaging of primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma with concurrent pericardial and pleural effusions and bone metastasis: A case report

Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma (PMPM) is an aggressive tumor that originates from the mesothelial cells of the pericardium. PMPM with extensive atrial infiltration and bone metastasis is extremely rare. The diagnosis and staging of PMPM based on anatomical imaging may be difficult when concurrent pericardial and pleural effusions are present. A 28-year-old man presented with progressive chest pain. Concurrent pericardial and pleural effusions were identified on computed tomography. On echocardiography, mild thickening and adhesions of the pericardium with the right ventricle and atrium were observed. (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) metabolism imaging revealed increased accumulation in the pericardium and adjacent right atrium. Ring-shaped radioactivity aggregation and bone destruction in the sacrum were demonstrated on (18)F-FDG and (99m)Tc-methyl diphosphonate imaging. The diagnosis of PMPM was subsequently confirmed by pathology. The patient survived for >1.5 years with comprehensive treatment.