Gallium scanning in peritoneal mesothelioma

Gallium scans in seven cases of pathologically proven primary peritoneal mesothelioma were reviewed and correlated with clinical, radiologic, and surgical findings. Although five patients gave a history of asbestos exposure, only two showed chest film findings typical of asbestosis. Most had abdominal discomfort, ascites, and abdominal masses. Five of the seven had positive gallium scans; three showed a large single focus of uptake and two showed diffuse abdominal uptake. Although these patterns correspond to the two main gross pathologic types described in peritoneal mesothelioma, there was not complete agreement with clinical, radiographic, and surgical findings, and the focal pattern tended to underestimate the extent of the disease. Although gallium uptake can be seen in a variety of other neoplastic and inflammatory conditions, it may be useful in the diagnosis and follow-up of peritoneal mesothelioma.