Rnn. Holtzman et al., Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen immunostaining in benign multicystic mesothelioma of the peritoneum, ARCH PATH L, 125(7), 2001, pp. 944-947
Citations number
9
Categorie Soggetti
Research/Laboratory Medicine & Medical Tecnology","Medical Research Diagnosis & Treatment
A 58-year-old Italian man was incidentally discovered to have an elevated c
arbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA-19-9) level of 132 U/mL on routine blood testi
ng. Multisystem imaging studies revealed multiple benign-appearing cysts of
the liver and single cysts in the pancreas and kidney parenchyma. Througho
ut 14 months, fluctuations were observed in the elevated serum CA-19-9 leve
ls from 99 to 450 U/mL. Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and other tumo
r markers were normal. Laparoscopy disclosed multiple cystic lesions on the
surface of the liver, on the serosal surface of the ileum, and in the mese
ntery. Electron microscopy characterized the cells as mesothelial. The path
ologic diagnosis was benign multicystic mesothelioma of the peritoneum (BMM
P). Aspirated fluid from the liver cyst revealed CA-19-9 levels at 28 500 U
/mL, strongly linking the elevated serum CA-19-9 levels with mesothelial cy
st secretion. Immunostaining was positive for CA-19-9, CEA, and cancer anti
gen 125 (CA-125). We believe this is the first documented instance of CA-19
-9 and CEA secretion in BMMP.