title: Recurrent hydropneumothorax: An unusual presentation for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
abstract: Mesothelioma is a rare pulmonary malignancy commonly associated with asbestos exposure. Its presentation is insidious and non-specific, with complaints of chest pain, dyspnea and cough. Chest X-ray may demonstrate unilateral pleural effusion. CT and PET scans may highlight nodular pleural plaques. Diagnosis often times is difficult with negative imaging and negative pleural fluid studies. In rare cases, hydropneumothoraces may be seen. We report a case of malignant pleural mesothelioma presenting as recurrent hydropneumothorax with negative CT scan of the chest for pleural abnormalities and negative pleural fluid studies.
authors.affiliation: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Internal Medicine Program, Miami Valley Hospital, Weber CHE Building, 128 E. Apple St., 2nd Floor, Dayton, OH, 45409, USA.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: DeLapp
authors.affiliation: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Internal Medicine Program, Miami Valley Hospital, Weber CHE Building, 128 E. Apple St., 2nd Floor, Dayton, OH, 45409, USA.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: Dayton VA Medical Center, 4100 W. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45428, USA.
authors.forename: Perry
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nystrom
keywords: Hydropneumothorax; Mesothelioma; Pneumothorax; Unilateral pleural effusion