Brain metastases in malignant fibrous mesothelioma. Case report and review of the literature.

A malignant fibrous mesothelioma is reported in a man of 70, arising from the left pleura with widespread metastases in the regional lymph nodes, diaphragm, chest wall, adrenal glands, and brain. Asbestos bodies were not found. Histologically, the primary tumor consisted of interlacing bundles of spindle-shaped malignant cells with a considerable number of mitoses. In the brain two large metastases occurred. Macroscopically, the occipital metastasis looked like an intracranial hemorrhage. Microscopically, the metastases mimicked the pattern of a glioblastoma multiforme. The present case is discussed against the background of the pertinent literature.