Pleural mesothelioma presenting as apparent recurrent pulmonary embolism

Three patients with malignant mesothelioma of the pleura presented with unilateral pleural effusion and recurrent horizontal linear opacities on the chest radiograph. Although an initial diagnosis of pulmonary embolism was made in all three patients and two received anticoagulants, it is more likely that the opacities represented plate atelectases due to restriction of basal lung expansion by severe chest pain. It is suggested that the early manifestations of malignant mesothelioma of pleura may be confused with recurrent pulmonary embolism.