Increased activity of aspartate aminotransferase in an asymptomatic young woman - case report

Isolated macro-aspartate aminotransferase (macro-AST) in asymptomatic adults and children is a benign condition. In patients, however, macro- AST can be associated with neoplasms and autoimmunologic disorders, particularly with gastrointestinal diseases.

We described a case of persistently elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase in an asymptomatic young woman who was correctly diagnosed with macro-AST after the elevated serum AST was found four years ago. To establish the diagnosis of macro-AST, we used non-invasive and inexpensive polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation assay. We advocate more widespread use of this method for routine laboratory diagnosis.