HEPATOCELLULAR-CARCINOMA AS A RARE CAUSE OF AN EXCESSIVE INCREASE IN ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN DURING PREGNANCY

A case report is presented on a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during pregnancy, in which a massive increase in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was found during a routine screening for neural tube defects in the 17th w eek of pregnancy. The amniocentesis revealed a normal AFP level in the amniotic fluid. Liver sonography in the 21st week of pregnancy showed a 5-cm tumor, which was interpreted as nodular focal hyperplasia. In the control sonography in the 32nd week of pregnancy, there was growth to 12 cm. The subsequently performed magnetic resonance imaging and f ine-needle aspiration led to the diagnosis of a HCC. Delivery was perf ormed in the 34th week of pregnancy by cesarean section, and surgical therapy of the HCC followed. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.