Marked increase in serum alpha-fetoprotein level in cirrhosis: a case report.
A 56-yr-old Japanese man with chronic liver disease was admitted for evaluation of increased serum alpha-fetoprotein reaching levels as high as 7190 ng/ml. The presence of hepatocellular carcinoma was ruled out by computed tomography and hepatic angiography. Laparoscopy and liver biopsy sample showed active liver cirrhosis. alpha-Fetoprotein granules were positive in hepatocytes. The rise in serum alpha-fetoprotein level was transitory and returned to less than 100 ng/ml 4 wk later. It was suggested that regeneration after acute exacerbation of cirrhosis might have been closely related to the dramatic increase in alpha-fetoprotein production.
D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis*
D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins