Pleural thickening in a construction worker: it is not always mesothelioma

The Netherlands Journal of Medicine. 2006 Mar;64(3):88-90. [Link] [Full Text PDF]

Saboerali MD, Koolen MG, Noorduyn LA, van Delden OM, Bogaard HJ.

Department of Respiratory Medicine, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Abstract

We describe the case of a 45-year-old man presenting with chest pain and pleural effusions. These symptoms were progressive over a period of three years, with pericardial involvement and respiratory insufficiency finally resulting in death. Despite repeated diagnostic procedures, a final diagnosis could only be made at autopsy. Multisystem foamy histiocyte infiltration suggested the diagnosis of Erdheim-Chester disease.