Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma often originates in the pleura and less frequently in the peritoneum. This article describes a rare case of diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma in a 54-year-old male construction worker who was admitted to our hospital with a 2-month history of progressive abdominal distention. Abdominal computed tomography revealed extensive peritoneal nodularity and omental cake along with massive ascites. Imaging findings initially suggested peritoneal carcinomatosis, primary peritoneal carcinoma, and tuberculous peritonitis. Laparoscopic biopsy of the omentum and peritoneum confirmed the diagnosis of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma of epitheloid type. Although systemic chemotherapy was administered, no tumor regression was found. The patient finally died of nosocomial infection.