Elevated Serum Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Research Articles

Nongestational ovarian choriocarcinoma with bilateral teratoma: A rare case report and literature review.

Trophoblastic neoplasms are often associated with pregnancy, and nongestational trophoblastic neoplasms are extremely rare. Nongestational ovarian choriocarcinoma (NGCO) is a highly aggressive germ cell-derived tumor frequently presenting with early hematogenous metastasis. Herein, we report a case of a 28-year-old unmarried woman with regular menstruation who experienced vaginal bleeding 1 week after her last menstrual cycle. Doppler ultrasound revealed bilateral adnexal masses and elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels. The patient was initially misdiagnosed as presenting an ectopic pregnancy. The final pathology confirmed an International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IA NGCO with bilateral mature teratoma of the ovary. This is an extraordinary instance of ovarian choriocarcinoma which emerged without any prior gestation, and the patient's lack of a history of pregnancy made the diagnosis ignored. After initial surgery and 1 cycle of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) chemotherapy, a laparoscopic fertility-preserving comprehensive staging surgery was performed. Two cycles of chemotherapy with BEP were administered as supplemental therapy postsurgery, and leuprorelin was administered to protect ovarian function. Menstruation resumed 4 months after chemotherapy completion, and tumor indicators were within the normal range. No signs of recurrence were observed at the 36-month follow-up. NGCO should be considered if a female patient exhibits irregular vaginal bleeding and masses in the adnexal area. The present case and our literature review also highlighted that fertility-sparing surgery and multidrug chemotherapy are effective methods for treating NGCO.

Primary colon adenocarcinoma with choriocarcinoma differentiation: a case report and review of the literature

BackgroundChoriocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy of trophoblastic tissue, typically of gestational etiology. Sporadic, nongestational cases are rarely found outside of the gonads. There are only 31 cases of primary choriocarcinoma of the colon reported in the literature. As a consequence of their rarity and aggressive nature, timely diagnosis and effective treatment have proved challenging, and prognosis is very poor. For that reason, we present a rare case with prolonged survival in the youngest reported patient .Case presentationA 26-year-old Caucasian woman presented with abdominal cramping and rectal and vaginal bleeding. Elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin and an 8-cm right-sided mass seen on ultrasound suggested ectopic pregnancy. The patient was treated with methotrexate; however, her symptoms persisted, and her human chorionic gonadotropin levels continued to rise. Further workup showed a large mass of the sigmoid colon with multiple hepatic lesions suggestive of metastases. Preliminary pathology showed adenocarcinoma. Despite surgical resection and initiation of FOLFOX chemotherapy (folinic acid, fluorouracil, oxaliplatin), the patient had significant clinical deterioration, and her human chorionic gonadotropin increased exponentially. Further pathological review showed two distinct phenotypes: adenocarcinoma merging with choriocarcinoma. The result of evaluation of the metastatic lesions was also positive for choriocarcinoma. Treatment was promptly changed to a choriocarcinoma-targeting chemotherapy regimen of EMA/CO (etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide, vincristine), resulting in rapid and dramatic response. The patient had mild progression after 1 year and was switched back to FOLFOX with bevacizumab. After five cycles, scans showed further progression, and the patient was started on third-line therapy with FOLFIRI (folinic acid, fluorouracil, irinotecan) and bevacizumab. Eighteen months after her diagnosis, the patient was alive and maintaining an overall response.ConclusionsOur patient achieved a marked response and prolonged survival. Although a comprehensive review of the literature showed that survival with these tumors has improved over the past 10 years, prognosis remains poor. Currently, there is no established algorithm for the management of these rare tumors, but both the literature and our patient’s case indicate that a choriocarcinoma-targeted regimen is critical for survival. Further evaluation of these rare tumors is warranted in order to identify pathological patterns that may help in the diagnosis, management, and survival of these malignancies.

Circulating microRNAs as biomarkers to assist the management of the malignant germ-cell-tumour subtype choriocarcinoma

Germ-cell-tumours (GCTs) are heterogeneous and management is complex. The current conventional biomarkers, alpha-fetoprotein and human-chorionic-gonadotropin (HCG), have limited utility for diagnosis/follow-up as secretion is restricted to specific malignant-GCT subtypes and long half-life can make interpretation and clinical decision-making challenging. We sought to identify circulating microRNAs that reflected choriocarcinoma disease activity more accurately than HCG in a metastatic primary mediastinal nonseminomatous-GCT (PMNSGCT) case with elevated diagnostic serum HCG (>250,000 U/L), consistent with pure choriocarcinoma. We undertook comprehensive microRNA profiling (n = 754 microRNAs) using two 384-well TaqMan Low-Density-Array cards in 16 serum samples; 10 from PMNSGCT diagnosis/follow-up and six controls. Key findings underwent confirmatory qRT-PCR. We identified a serum panel of choriocarcinoma-specific ‘chromosome-19-microRNA-cluster’ (C19MC) microRNAs that were highly elevated at diagnosis but fell rapidly on treatment and normalised before the second full chemotherapy course. We also re-confirmed serum elevation of the previously identified malignant-GCT marker miR-371a-3p at diagnosis. These circulating microRNA markers reflected choriocarcinoma disease activity more accurately than serum HCG and real-time knowledge would have assisted clinical decision-making. With further study, these microRNA markers will facilitate future management of such patients and are likely to result in improved outcomes.

The Value of Hysteroscopy in Women with Persistently Elevated Post-Evacuation Serum Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Level Following Evacuation of Molar Disease

Abstract Background and rational Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a spectrum of trophoblastic diseases that encompass the hydatidiform mole (both complete and partial), as well as the potentially-malignant and malignant forms: invasive mole, choriocarcinoma and placental site trophoblastic tumor. Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) refers to persistent elevation of serum levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The subsequentmanagement of GTD after evacuation of the uterus relies on serial surveillance of serum hCG levels. When serum hCG levels plateau or rise, chemotherapy should promptly be initiated. Patients and Methods This study for accuracy of a diagnostic test. The current study was conducted at Gynecologic Oncology Unit and Early Cancer Detection Unit at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital during the period between January 2016 and June 2018. Results In the present study, the case who had a vascular mass, the patient was 44 years old and she was para 4, so board decision was for TAH. Postoperative serum hCG surveillance for this case showed adequately declining levels. She, accordingly, did not receive chemotherapy. For the 19/44 (43.2%) cases who had a hysteroscopic finding of ‘an empty cavity’ were diagnosed as persistent GTN and received chemotherapy according to the protocol. The remaining 25/44 (56.8%) cases, who had a hysteroscopic finding of ‘remnants’, underwent re-evacuation. Postoperative serum hCG surveillance showed persistently elevated levels in 9/44 (20.5%) cases, who, therefore, received chemotherapy according to the protocol; and adequately declining levels in 16/44 (36.4%) cases, who, accordingly, did not receive chemotherapy. Conclusion The hysteroscopy significantly reduced the risk of chemotherapy in women with hydatidiform mole and have persistent post-evacuation elevated serum hCG level and sonographic criteria of invasive disease.

Controversies in family planning: persistently elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin levels after aspiration abortion

Low but rising serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels occur infrequently after an induced abortion. Because this scenario rarely occurs after suction aspiration, clinicians may have higher suspicion for an uncommon diagnosis. The differential diagnosis includes both common and uncommon diagnoses, such as incomplete abortion, heterotopic or ectopic pregnancy, a new intrauterine pregnancy and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. The etiology of this presentation may be unclear, especially in the absence of abnormal bleeding or pain which would suggest incomplete abortion, or when significant time has passed since the procedure. We describe two cases of an uncommon presentation of retained products of conception after aspiration abortion in which hCG levels were low but rising.

Postmenopausal pregnancy? Evaluation of elevated hCG in a 59-year-old woman

Slightly elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can be a normal finding in postmenopausal women. We report a case of a 59-year-old woman with a history of abnormal uterine bleeding...

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) as a biomarker in sarcoma: A systematic review.

e22503 Background: Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) has been reported in soft tissue sarcoma and osteosarcoma. In some patients, the ectopic production of HCG can lead to delays in diagnosis due to concern for pregnancy or germ cell tumors. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the scientific literature in English using PubMed to categorize cases of sarcoma search terms were HCG, sarcoma, human chorionic gonadotropin and osteosarcoma. Cases of sarcoma associated with HCG production were identified and further categorized by type and grade of tumor. Initial HCG, Peak HCG, response to therapy and case outcome were collected when available. We also included a case seen at our institution of osteosarcoma with ectopic HCG production. Results: We identified 21 manuscripts and 23 cases of patients with both sarcoma and elevated serum HCG. 10/23 patients were male (43%).The most frequent type of sarcoma was osteosarcoma with 9/23 (39%) of cases, leiomyosarcoma was identified in 7/23 (30%) and liposarcoma in 3/23 (13%) of cases. When described, all tumors were high grade or poorly differentiated. 20/23 tumors (87%) had HCG expression of the tumor by immunohistochemistry. Mean initial HCG was 3607 with a peak value of 6188. In 19 cases, HCG was used to monitor disease after treatment and 14/19 (74%) responded with a decrease in HCG after treatment. Of responders, 3 patients were considered cured and 2 were put into remission, while none of the patients without response survived. Overall, outcomes were poor with 16/23 (70%) deaths within one year. Conclusions: Sarcomas that secrete HCG tend to be high grade, poorly differentiated and appear to portend a poor prognosis. When expressed, HCG can be used as a marker of disease and response to therapy. Oncologists should consider checking HCG as a potentially low-cost marker of prognosis and response to treatment in patients with sarcoma. [Table: see text]

The magnitude of elevated maternal serum human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy complications

This study assessed the correlation between the magnitude of the elevation in maternal serum human chorionic gonadotropin (MShCG) levels and pregnancy complications. Among 80,716 screened pregnancies, 120 with moderately elevated MShCG (3.00–5.99 MoM) were compared to 84 with extremely elevated MShCG >6.00 MoM. A control series of 120 women with normal MShCG (<3.00 MoM) were matched. Rates of intrauterine growth restriction, preterm labour, antepartum foetal death (APFD), pre-eclampsia, and placental abruption were analysed. We found that the study group had more adverse outcomes than the control group (73/204 [36%] vs. 18/120 [15%]; p < .0001). The rate was higher in the extremely elevated group than in the moderately elevated group (43/84 [51%] vs. 30/120 [25%]; p < .0001). All 12 cases of APFD (14%) occurred among the extremely elevated series. In conclusion, adverse pregnancy outcomes are more common in women with extremely elevated MShCG. The patients should receive counselling regarding this trend and undergo close pregnancy monitoring.Impact statement• What is already known on this subject?In addition to its contribution to Down syndrome (DS) screening, maternal serum human chorionic gonadotropin (MShCG) levels are a marker for pregnancy complications such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm labour (PTL), antepartum fatal death (APFD), pre-eclampsia (PE), placental abruption (PA) and fetal malformations with or without chromosomal aberrations.• What the results of this study add?We found that in the presence of elevated MShCG levels, the incidence of IUGR and PTL increased. PE increased clinically, but statistical significance was seen only when MShCG was extremely elevated (≥ 6.00 MoM). APFD and PA were associated with very high MShCG levels only.• What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research?Women with high MShCG levels should be counselled. In case of very high levels (≥ 6.00 MoM), the risk of APFD and PA should be discussed. The pregnancy should be monitored for IUGR, PTL and PE. In view of the limited number of enrolled patients with very high levels of MShCG, the experience of other institutions is needed to corroborate these findings.

Low-dose aspirin for pre-eclampsia prevention in twins with elevated human chorionic gonadotropin.

The objective of the study is to evaluate low-dose aspirin (LDA) for pre-eclampsia prevention in twin gestations with elevated maternal serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Secondary analysis of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units High-Risk Aspirin trial for pre-eclampsia prevention. A threshold hCG level for predicting pre-eclampsia was identified in placebo-randomized patients. Pre-eclampsia incidence and time of onset were compared between treatment groups, overall and by hCG threshold category. Pre-eclampsia incidence was lower with LDA than with placebo (6% vs 16%, OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.82). An hCG threshold of 29.96 IU ml(-1) best predicted pre-eclampsia. In patients with hCG <29.96 IU ml(-1), the differences in pre-eclampsia incidence or time of onset were not significant. In patients with hCG >29.96 IU ml(-1), LDA was associated with lower pre-eclampsia incidence than placebo (6% vs 23%, OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.79) and delayed onset. Twin gestations with elevated hCG levels may benefit from LDA for pre-eclampsia prevention.

Outcomes of children with central nervous system germinoma treated with multi-agent chemotherapy followed by reduced radiation.

CNS germinomas have an excellent prognosis with radiation therapy alone. However, in children, volume and dose of CNS radiation are associated with neurocognitive and neuroendocrine sequelae. Our objective was to determine long-term outcomes of our cohort who received chemotherapy and reduced radiation. This retrospective cohort study analyzed treatment and outcome of intracranial germinoma patients consecutively treated at Sick Kids, Toronto, Canada, from January 2000 to December 2013. 24 children (13 male, 11 female; median age 13.36years) were identified. Median follow up was 61months (range 1-144months). Tumor location was suprasellar (n=9), bifocal (8), pineal (6), and basal ganglia (1). Three children showed dissemination on imaging. 2/24 had only elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin, 3/24 only elevated lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hCG, and 2/24 had both elevated serum and lumbar CSF hCG. 23/24 children completed treatment and received multi-agent chemotherapy followed by either ventricular radiation (2340-2400cGy) (n=9), ventricular radiation+boost (1600cGy) (n=8), whole brain (2340cGy) (n=3), focal (4000cGy) (n=2) or craniospinal radiation (2340cGy) (n=1). Five-year progression free and overall survival was 96 and 100% respectively. 8/24 patients with ventricular radiation±boost (2340/4000cGy) displayed stable full scale intelligence quotient over a mean interval of 3years following radiation, but showed declined processing speed. In this limited experience, excellent 5-year overall survival rates were achieved with chemotherapy followed by reduced whole ventricular radiation even if ventricular radiation was delivered without boost.

Persistent Human Chorionic Gonadotropin After Methotrexate Treatment and an Emergency Surgical Procedure for Ectopic Pregnancy.

The case study is a 33-year-old white female with persistently elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels following methotrexate treatment and emergency surgery for ectopic pregnancy. At the time of the first methotrexate dose, the serum hCG concentration was 27,995 IU/L. The laboratory was consulted 3.5 months after the surgery, because serum hCG levels had stopped declining and had leveled off to around 80 to 90 IU/L but with negative urine pregnancy tests. Laboratory studies ruled out heterophile antibody interference and hook effect by multiple methods including analysis by different serum hCG assays, treatment with heterophile antibody blocking agents, and dilution studies. Three additional doses of methotrexate over six months were required for serum hCG concentrations to decline to undetectable levels. This case illustrates challenges that may arise with serum hCG measurements in management of ectopic pregnancies. Close collaboration between the laboratory and clinical service is key for optimal patient care.

Personalised chemotherapy based on tumour marker decline in poor prognosis germ-cell tumours (GETUG 13): a phase 3, multicentre, randomised trial

Poor prognosis germ-cell tumours are only cured in about half of patients. We aimed to assess whether treatment intensification based on an early tumour marker decline will improve progression-free survival for patients with germ-cell tumours. In this phase 3, multicentre, randomised trial, patients were enrolled from France (20 centres), USA (one centre), and Slovakia (one centre). Patients were eligible if they were older than 16 years, had evidence of testicular, retroperitoneal, or mediastinal non-seminomatous germ cell tumours based on histological findings or clinical evidence and highly elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin or alfa-fetoprotein concentrations that matched International Germ Cell Cancer Consensus Group poor prognosis criteria. After one cycle of BEP (intravenous cisplatin [20 mg/m(2) per day for 5 days], etoposide [100 mg/m(2) per day for 5 days], and intramuscular or intravenous bleomycin [30 mg per day on days 1, 8, and 15]), patients' human chorionic gonadotropin and alfa-fetoprotein concentrations were measured at day 18-21. Patients with a favourable decline in human chorionic gonadotropin and alfa-fetoprotein continued BEP (Fav-BEP group) for 3 additonal cycles, whereas patients with an unfavourable decline were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either BEP (Unfav-BEP group) or a dose-dense regimen (Unfav-dose-dense group), consisting of intravenous paclitaxel (175 mg/m(2) over 3 h on day 1) before BEP plus intravenous oxaliplatin (130 mg/m(2) over 3 h on day 10; two cycles), followed by intravenous cisplatin (100 mg/m(2) over 2 h on day 1), intravenous ifosfamide (2 g/m(2) over 3 h on days 10, 12, and 14), plus mesna (500 mg/m(2) at 0, 3, 7 and 11 h), and bleomycin (25 units per day, by continuous infusion for 5 days on days 10-14; two cycles), with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (lenograstim) support. Centrally blocked computer-generated randomisation stratified by centre was used. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival and the efficacy analysis was done in the intention-to-treat population. The planned trial accrual was completed in May, 2012, and follow-up is ongoing. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00104676. Between Nov 28, 2003, and May 16, 2012, 263 patients were enrolled and 254 were available for tumour marker assessment. Of these 51 (20%) had a favourable marker assessment, and 203 (80%) had an unfavourable tumour marker decline; 105 were randomly assigned to the Unfav-dose-dense group and 98 to the Unfav-BEP group. 3-year progression-free survival was 59% (95% CI 49-68) in the Unfav-dose-dense group versus 48% (38-59) in the Unfav-BEP group (HR 0·66, 95% CI 0·44-1·00, p=0·05). 3-year progression-free survival was 70% (95% CI 57-81) in the Fav-BEP group (HR 0·66, 95% CI 0·49-0·88, p=0·01 for progression-free survival compared with the Unfav-BEP group). More grade 3-4 neurotoxic events (seven [7%] vs one [1%]) and haematotoxic events occurred in the Unfav-dose-dense group compared with in the Unfav-BEP group; there was no difference in grade 1-2 febrile neutropenia (18 [17%] vs 18 [18%]) or toxic deaths (one [1%] in both groups). Salvage high-dose chemotherapy plus a stem-cell transplant was required in six (6%) patients in the Unfav-dose-dense group and 16 (16%) in the Unfav-BEP group. Personalised treatment with chemotherapy intensification reduces the risk of progression or death in patients with poor prognosis germ-cell tumours and an unfavourable tumour marker decline. Institut National du Cancer (Programme Hospitalier de Recherche Clinique).

Discrepant serum and urine β-hCG results due to production of β-hCG by a cribriform-morular variant of thyroid papillary carcinoma

BackgroundAlthough patients with medullary thyroid cancer are known to present with paraneoplastic hormone production, this is much less common with papillary thyroid cancer. MethodsWe present a patient with the cribriform morular variant of papillary thyroid cancer in association with familial adenomatous polyposis who developed a positive pregnancy test in the absence of known pregnancy. The patient had developed vaginal bleeding, and her laboratory testing was characterized by elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) concentrations, but negative qualitative urine results. After a thorough gynecological evaluation to exclude unexpected normal, ectopic, or molar pregnancy, we pursued an evaluation for other sources of β-hCG production. ResultsWe showed that the elevated serum β-hCG concentrations were not the result of heterophile antibody interferences, and ultimately we proved that her recurrent tumor produced the ectopic β-hCG. This is the first report of β-hCG production by papillary thyroid cancer. Thus, the possibility of ectopic production of β-hCG by papillary thyroid cancer needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of elevated hCG concentration in the absence of pregnancy. ConclusionsThis study of an unusual paraneoplastic syndrome highlights the importance of investigating discrepancies in the clinical laboratory.

High-intensity focused ultrasound combined with dilatation and curettage for Cesarean scar pregnancy

We describe a new technique for the management of Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP), high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) combined with dilatation and curettage (D&C), in four patients managed at our university hospital. All four had elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels and large lesions with strong peripheral color Doppler signals, indicating possible risk of profuse bleeding, and all four women wished to preserve their fertility. HIFU was performed under local anesthesia. Success of the treatment in all four cases was indicated by complete primary evacuation of the CSP and return of serum hCG to normal levels (serum hCG < 20 mIU/mL). However, one patient in whom there was a large scar defect and placental implantation underwent laparotomy to remove the trophoblastic tissue and repair the defect, although the hCG level had already returned to normal levels. HIFU, by utilizing ultrasound energy to heat tissue at a focal point, is able to stop embryonic cardiac activity and leads to a rapid reduction in serum hCG levels. Subsequent D&C under hysteroscopic guidance enables complete removal of products of conception following the HIFU procedure.

Management of Nonpregnant Women with Elevated Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is useful in evaluating and monitoring early pregnancy as well as trophoblastic disease. Here we describe the management of women with elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin in a case of a 51-year-old female who was unsuccessfully treated for ectopic pregnancy. She was subsequently diagnosed with pituitary hCG production, which should be considered as differential diagnosis before treatment is initiated.

PP079. Evidence of placental and vascular endothelial apotosis and dysfunction by elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin, soluble selectin and soluble Fas in HELLP syndrome

IntroductionThe etiology of Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzyme, and Low Platelets (HELLP) syndrome remains unknown. We hypothesized that placental and vascular endothelial apoptosis and dysfunction might be the pathogenesis of HELLP syndrome. ObjectivesTo determine maternal serum levels and association among human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), soluble Fas (sFas), and E-selectin (sE-selectin) in HELLP syndrome. MethodsForty-two singleton pregnant women were studied. Fourteen patients were with HELLP syndrome and 28 patients were healthy gravidas. The serum levels of total beta-hCG, sFas, and sE-selectin were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassays. Mann-Whitney test and Spearman rank correlation were used for statistical analyses. Data were expressed as median and ranges. P value less than 0.05 is considered statistically significant. ResultsThere were no significant differences in maternal age, gestational age, parity or race in patients with and without HELLP syndrome. The median levels of serum total beta-hCG, sFas, and sE-selectin were significantly higher in women with HELLP syndrome than in healthy gravidas {total beta-hCG: 52,168 (14,936-213,445)mIU/mL vs. 17,942 (966-176,600)mIU/mL, p=0.016; sFas: 8.20 (3.0-22.6)U/ml vs. 5.8 (1.2-18.5)U/ml, p=0.001; sE-selectin: 107.7 (26.2-194.7)ng/mL vs. 23.0 (11.1-107.7)ng/mL, p<0.0001}. Moreover, serum total beta-hCG levels were significantly correlated with serum sFas (r=0.32, p=0.039) and sE-selectin levels (r=0.32, p=0.038). Serum sFas levels were also significantly correlated with serum sE-slectin (r=0.47, p=0.003) ConclusionOur data suggest that placental and vascular endothelial apoptosis in preeclampsia may further lead to placental and endothelial dysfunction as the possible pathogenesis in HELLP syndrome

Anesthetic Management of a Parturient With Fetal Sacrococcygeal Teratoma and Mirror Syndrome Complicated by Elevated hCG and Subsequent Hyperthyroidism

Mirror syndrome is a condition in which the mother mirrors her hydropic fetus and/or hydropic placenta. Physical and laboratory findings of mirror syndrome include generalized edema, hypertension, and proteinuria similar to preeclampsia. However, unlike preeclampsia, mirror syndrome is associated with hemodilutional anemia and fluid overload, which may progress to pulmonary edema. The anesthetic management of a parturient with fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma, hydrops fetalis, and mirror syndrome complicated by markedly elevated maternal serum human chorionic gonadotropin and subsequent clinical hyperthyroidism, is presented.

Lack of Association between Unexplained Elevated Maternal Serum Alpha Fetoprotein and/or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and the Occurrence of Placental Thrombotic Lesions

Objective To investigate the significance of unexplained elevated maternal serum alpha fetoprotein (MSAFP) and/or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) on the occurrence of placental thrombotic changes. Study design Between January 2007 to April 2009, placentas of all women who delivered and had unexplained elevated MSAFP and/or HCG (above 2 MOM) were sent to histological examination. Women were divided into 2 groups. Group A included women who had uneventful pregnancies and delivered at term. Group B included women with antepartum complications attributed to thrombosis. Women in both groups (A and B) had elevated MSAFP and/or HCG. Group C was a frequency matched group of women who had normal MSAFP and HCG levels with uneventful pregnancies and delivered at term. Main outcome measure Incidence of placental thrombotic lesions in each group. Results Of 9695 women who delivered during the study period there were 76 women with elevated MSAFP and or HCG, 48 in group A and 28 in Group B. Group C, included 30 women. The number of placentas in which any thrombotic lesion was identified was 22 (45.8%), 19 (67.9%) and 10 (33%) respectively. Changes differed significantly only between group B and C ( p = 0.03). Although the rate of changes in group A was higher than in group C it did not reach statistical significance even when considering only women with two abnormal results (MSAFP and HCG) or when a cutoff of 2.5 MOM or more was set. Conclusion Placental histopathological changes are associated with pregnancy complications and can only marginally be attributed to unexplained elevated MSAFP and/or HCG.

Laparoscopic management of primary hepatic pregnancy

A 30-year-old woman presented with epigastric pain with elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin level (hCG), absence of intrauterine gestational sac and absence of an abnormal adnexal mass on pelvic ultrasonography. Laparoscopy revealed a ruptured hepatic ectopic pregnancy. This was removed by laparoscopic suctioning and haemostasis secured with Surgicel((R)) Fribrilla Absorbable Hemostat. Intramuscular methotrexate was administered post-operatively. Patient recovered uneventfully and serum hCG returned to normal.

Primary choriocarcinoma of the liver: a clinicopathological study of five cases in males

Primary choriocarcinomas of the liver are rare. Previous reported cases were mostly in infants with only rare adult cases. Here, we presented five adult cases. The patients were all males, with an average age of 41.6 years (from 36 to 48 years). Clinical presentations included right upper abdominal pain or abdominal distension. All patients presented with a large hepatic mass on ultrasonography that measured 11 cm on average in the greatest diameter. Elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) levels were noted in all cases. At presentation, the tumor was confined to the liver in two patients and therefore surgically resected. The other three patients presented with extrahepatic metastases on imaging study and therefore only received chemotherapy. All five patients died from the tumor within 2 to 8 months. Autopsy was performed for all five cases. The autopsy confirmed that the choriocarcinoma was confined to the liver in two surgically resected cases. The other three patients had metastatic choriocarcinoma in the lung (two patients), peritoneum (one patient), adrenal glands (one patient), and brain (one patient). None of the patients had any evidence of a testicular tumor or scar after examination of the entirely submitted testes. No tumor was observed in central nervous system, mediastinum, or other organs other than described above. Grossly, the primary tumors were large, soft, hemorrhagic, and with foci of necrosis. Histologically, the tumors were composed of mononucleated trophoblastic cells with round nuclei, clear cytoplasm, and prominent nucleoli admixed with large, multinucleated syncytiotrophoblastic cells. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were strongly positive for keratin, HCG, and focally positive for human placental lactogen. Ki-67 proliferation index was high (mean 75%) in the mononucleated trophoblastic cells. Our series is the largest one to document primary hepatic choriocarcinoma in adults. Although these tumors are rare, they behave in a very aggressive fashion.