Published online Dec 16, 2023. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i35.8372
Peer-review started: August 27, 2023
First decision: September 13, 2023
Revised: September 18, 2023
Accepted: December 1, 2023
Article in press: December 1, 2023
Published online: December 16, 2023
Processing time: 109 Days and 1.6 Hours
Thoracic empyema and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) are distinct medical conditions with similar symptoms, including cough, chest pain, and breathing difficulty. We present a rare MPM case mimicking thoracic empyema. Physicians must consider MPM risks for patients exposed to building material who exhibit lobulated pleural effusions, indicating thoracic empyema.
A 68-year-old retired male construction worker suffered from shortness of breath and chest tightness over 10 d, particularly during physical activity. A poor appetite and 4 kg weight loss over the past 3 wk were also reported. Chest images and laboratory data concluded a tentative impression of empyema thoracis (right). Video-assisted thoracic surgery with decortication and delobulation (right) was conducted. The pathological report yielded an MPM diagnosis. Refractory pleural bilateral effusions and respiratory failure developed postoperatively, and the patient died three weeks after the operation.
Thoracic empyema and MPM are distinct medical conditions that can present similar symptoms, and video-assisted thoracic surgery facilitates an accurate diagnosis. Empyema-mimicking presentations and postoperative refractory pleural effusion may indicate a poor MPM outcome.
Core Tip: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) shows similar clinical symptoms and imaging features to thoracic empyema. In the present case, the final diagnosis was confirmed by the thoracoscopic surgery. This article could offer clinicians a hint to consider a diagnosis of MPM when treating thoracic empyema and consider thoracoscopic surgery for accurate diagnosis.