title: False-positive beta-human chorionic gonadotropin values in the follow-up of gestational trophoblastic disease.
abstract: Gestational trophoblastic disease consists of a pathological spectrum of entities from molar pregnancies, which are premalignant conditions, to malignant invasive choriocarcinoma. Serum Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels are essential both in the diagnosis and in the follow-up. There are high rates of complete responses and long-term survivors, because of the excellent chemosensitivity of these tumours. After initial management, an increased level of Beta-hCG indicates persistent disease. However, in the absence of evidence of persistent disease, false-positive Beta-hCG values may be considered. We present here the case of a woman with a metastatic choriocarcinoma in complete response after chemotherapy, who developed later persistent false-positive values of Beta-hCG in the follow-up. Causes of false-positive Beta-hCG determinations are revised.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Oncología Médica, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: V M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Díaz Muñoz de la Espada
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Arranz Arija
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Khosravi Shahi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Encinas García
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Alvarez Alvarez
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: González Beca
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / Q000097:blood*; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D031901:Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human