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False-positive pregnancy test associated with gonadoblastoma
F J Schanne1, C S Cooper, D A Canning
1Division of Pediatric Urology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, 19104 USA.
Urology
|February 7, 2001
Summary
Gonadoblastomas, hormonally active tumors in patients with intersex conditions, can elevate serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). This case highlights elevated peripheral serum beta-HCG in a patient with XY gonadal dysgenesis, preventing unnecessary diagnostic searches.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Gonadoblastomas are tumors associated with intersex abnormalities and dysgenetic gonads.
- These tumors are recognized for hormonal activity, particularly beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) production.
Observation:
- A patient with pure gonadal dysgenesis and an XY karyotype presented with a positive pregnancy test.
- This patient exhibited an elevated peripheral serum beta-HCG level.
Findings:
- This case is the first to document an elevated peripheral serum beta-HCG in a patient with gonadoblastoma.
- The findings confirm the potential for gonadoblastomas to cause systemic elevation of beta-HCG.
Implications:
- Awareness of gonadoblastoma's capacity to elevate serum beta-HCG can avert extensive and unnecessary investigations for other causes of elevated HCG.
- This knowledge aids in accurate diagnosis and management of patients with intersex conditions and suspected gonadal tumors.