Marked increase in serum alpha-fetoprotein level in cirrhosis: a case report

A 56-yr-old Japanese man with chronic liver disease was admitted for evaluation of increased serum alpha-fetoprotein reaching levels as high as 7190 ng/ml. The presence of hepatocellular carcinoma was ruled out by computed tomography and hepatic angiography. Laparoscopy and liver biopsy sample showed active liver cirrhosis. alpha-Fetoprotein granules were positive in hepatocytes. The rise in serum alpha-fetoprotein level was transitory and returned to less than 100 ng/ml 4 wk later. It was suggested that regeneration after acute exacerbation of cirrhosis might have been closely related to the dramatic increase in alpha-fetoprotein production.