Alpha-fetoprotein in hepatitis superimposed on cirrhosis: a case of concomitant hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody associated with a major but transient increase in the alpha-fetoprotein level.
A 53-year-old man with hepatitis concurrent with cirrhosis was simultaneously positive for hepatitis B surface antigen and heterotypic anti HBs antibody. This could be explained by a state of tolerance, with chronic carrying of B virus (subtype a y w3), but would not preclude B virus (subtype d) reinfection, inducing the synthesis of specific anti-d antibodies. In the same patient, the very high level of 3460 ng/ml was reached for alpha-fetoprotein; this was transitory and returned to normal within 8 months; it was probably due to the acute hepatitis. Thus it appears that, even in cases of cirrhosis, a major rise in this marker does not absolutely imply the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma.
J F
JF
Bergmann
F
F
Lang
H
H
Dechy
M
M
Dorra
D000208:Acute Disease; D000910:Antibodies, Heterophile / Q000032:analysis; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis*
D000910:Antibodies, Heterophile; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins