Recurrent hydropneumothorax as a presenting feature of malignant mesothelioma.
June 19, 2008 hydropneumothorax, malignant mesothelioma No CommentsDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Knight Centre for Cystic Fibrosis, Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Camberley, Surrey GU16 7UJ, UK.
A 73-year-old former smoker with previous occupational exposure to asbestos presented with a pneumothorax that was initially managed by simple aspiration. Despite this, it re-accumulated and a bronchopleural fistula was suspected. A video-assisted thoracoscopic procedure was performed and revealed an abnormally thickened pleura that turned out to be a mesothelioma. All persistent pneumothoraces should be investigated.
