title: Reversible elevation of plasma CEA associated with iatrogenic unilateral hydronephrosis in a patient operated for colorectal cancer.
abstract: A patient is reported with progressively rising plasma levels of CEA in association with iatrogenic, unilateral hydronephrosis, subsequent to surgery for colorectal cancer. The CEA level returned to normal with spontaneous recovery of the hydronephrosis. The knowledge of this association should serve as an additional guideline when a "second-look" operation is being considered in colorectal cancer patients (who have been previously rendered free of disease by pelvic surgery) when plasma CEA begins to rise progressively.
mesh_terms: D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006869:Hydronephrosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen