Open AccessAlpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency resulting in a hitherto unseen presentation of hepatocellular carcinoma: Polycythemia but with normal alpha fetoprotein
Author(s) -
David Owen,
R Sivakumar,
EuiSik Suh,
Murugiah Seevaratnam
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.v12.i30.4906
Subject(s) - hepatocellular carcinoma , alpha (finance) , polycythemia vera , medicine , gastroenterology , alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency , alpha fetoprotein , pathology , surgery , construct validity , patient satisfaction
Polycythemia is a known paraneoplastic manifestation of hepatoma, but only in the presence of alpha-fetopro (AFP). We present a case of polycythemia in the absence of AFP, and suggest concurrent alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency as the cause for breaking this rule. We also suggest a reason for the apparent constant conjunction between polycythemia and AFP in hepatoma.