[Increased serum CA 19.9 in bronchiectasis]
(2008) Revue des Maladies Respiratoires — Vol. 25, n° 1, p. 78-81 (2008)
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- Introduction CA 19.9 is considered the most specific and sensitive serological marker of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. However, serum CA 19.9 can be raised in several non-neoplastic disorders, particularly in various benign pulmonary diseases. An increase in serum CA 19.9 in bronchiectasis remains exceptional. Case report We report the case of a 67 year old woman in whom a serum level of more than 1500 U/ml (normal value less than 37 U/ml) was found incidentally. Exhaustive investigation and clinical evolution excluded a neoplastic digestive disorder but positron emission tomography revealed a distinct hypermetabolic focus in the area of the hilum of the right lung. A complementary work-up (CT scan and fibreoptic bronchoscopy) demonstrated bilateral bronchiectasis colonised with Haemophilus influenzae. Antibiotic therapy with annoxicillin-clavulanic acid brought about a decrease in the serum CA 19.9 but level of the tumour marker remained abnormal after more than 2 years. Conclusion This case report emphasises the uselessness of tumour markers as screening tests as a serum level of CA 19.9 up to 50 times normal may be found in benign respiratory disorders such as bronchiectasis.
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Yango, J., Pieters, T., Coche, E., & Lambert, M. (2008). [Increased serum CA 19.9 in bronchiectasis]. Revue des Maladies Respiratoires, 25(1), 78-81. https://doi.org/10.1019/200720210 (Original work published 2008)