Challenging and uncommon diagnosis of long-evolution ascites

BMJ Case Rep. 2017 Dec 2:2017:bcr2017222565. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-222565.

Abstract

This is a case report of a 45-year-old Caucasian man with chronic alcoholism. No history of liver disease or asbestos exposure. He complained of ascites during the last 3 years with worsening in the last year with severe ascites development. Diagnostic paracentesis showed SAAG 1.1 and high cellularity with neutrophil count >250 cells/µL. Ascitic fluid cytology revealed reactive mesothelial hyperplasia. Thoracoabdominopelvic ultrasonography/CT/MRI and fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT showed 'omental cake' pattern suggesting peritoneal carcinomatosis. An exploratory laparoscopy revealed moderate interloop adhesions and necrosis with whitish exudate in the right pelvic excavation. Biochemical/cytological/histological/microbiological study only revealed reactive mesothelial cells, necrosis and lymphohistiocytic inflammatory infiltrate. A second exploratory laparoscopy with liver and peritoneal biopsies and appendectomy/mesoappendix excision showed a well-differentiated tubulopapillary mesothelioma. The patient was referred for intraperitoneal chemotherapy and is undergoing monthly therapeutic paracentesis.

Keywords: gastroenterology; gastrointestinal surgery; gastrointestinal system; malignant disease and immunosuppression.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Alcoholism / complications*
  • Ascites / complications*
  • Ascites / pathology
  • Biopsy
  • Humans
  • Liver / pathology
  • Male
  • Mesothelioma / etiology*
  • Mesothelioma / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Peritoneum / pathology