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

Abstract

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. © 2008 Ahmed et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.