Letter to the Editor

An Unexpected Cause of Elevated Prostate Specific Antigen

Authors: Vui Heng Chong, MRCP, FAMS

Abstract

It is known that markedly elevated tumor markers are sensitive for malignancies and may indicate a poor prognosis requiring aggressive therapy.1 Although rare, it can also be due to nonmalignant conditions. This was highlighted in the case report by Sanchez et al2 published in the February issue of the Southern Medical Journal. However, a mild elevation can be very nonspecific and associated with many conditions.1

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References

1. Perkins GL, Slater ED, Sanders GK, et al. Serum tumor markers. Am Fam Physician 2003;68:1075–1082.
 
2. Sanchez M, Gomes H, Marcus EN. Elevated CA 19-9 levels in a patient with Mirizzi syndrome: case report. South Med J 2006;99:160–163.
 
3. Soardo G, Basan L, Intini S, et al. Elevated serum CA 19-9 in hepatic actinomycosis. Scand J Gastroenterol 2005;40:1372–1373.
 
4. Obayashi Y, Fujita J, Nishiyama T, et al. Role of carbohydrate antigens sialyl Lewis (a) (CA19-9) in bronchoalveolar lavage in patients with pulmonary fibrosis. Respiration 2000;67:146–152.
 
5. Ruffini E, Rapellino M, Delsedime L, et al. Pulmonary carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) production in patients with end-stage lung diseases submitted to lung transplantation. Int J Biol Markers 1997;12:44–45.