Mesotelioma primario del pericardio

background: primary pericardial mesothelioma (ppm) is an extremely rare neoplasm originated from pericardium mesothelial cells. this tumor has the ability to invade adjacent structures and cause distant metastases, but its location, is usually fatal early. about 200 cases are worldwide reported. aim: a case of ppm diagnosed by autopsy is presented. case report: 56-years-old female, who was admitted for anorexia, weight loss, dysphagia, and dyspnea of one year of evolution, later accompanied by right supraclavicular neck mass. was evident respiratory effort. the chest radiograph and ct scan documented increased mediastinal space and pleural and pericardial effusion. the cytological analyses of the fine needle aspiration of neck mass and pleural fluid were compatible with malignancy. the patient had progressive deterioration and death. autopsy was performed which was found completely incarcerated heart by a multinodular tumor with multiple areas of necrosis. the histopathological study show a ppm. conclusion: ppm is a rare malignancy, which is usually fatal because of the sensitivity of organs compromised. therefore, this tumor is usually diagnosed at autopsy after death, in most cases secondary to cardiac tamponade.