Abstract

We report a case of malignant pleural mesothelioma in a patient who presented with spontaneous hydropneumothorax. This is the third case of malignant pleural mesothelioma reported to have this pattern of radiographical presentation in medical publications in English. The patient was a 52-year-old woman who had environmental asbestos exposure. The hydropneumothorax did not recur after the chest drainage, but the pleural tumour showed progression. Thus, spontaneous hydropneumothorax may be included among the presenting symptoms of malignant pleural mesothelioma, particularly in patients who have a history of environmental exposure.