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Pregnancy associated with primary hepatocellular carcinoma
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Hepatocellular carcinoma during pregnancy is rare but deadly. Early diagnosis via maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening and amniotic fluid AFP (AFAFP) testing is crucial for pregnant women.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hepatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an uncommon complication during pregnancy.
- Pregnancy-associated HCC presents diagnostic challenges due to overlapping symptoms with gestational conditions.
Observation:
- Three cases of pregnancy with primary HCC were observed over three years.
- Diagnosis involved elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) and normal amniotic fluid AFP (AFAFP).
- All patients had hepatitis B surface antigen and liver cirrhosis, with only mild liver enzyme elevation.
Findings:
- Two cases were diagnosed antepartum, one postpartum.
- All three mothers and one fetus succumbed to the disease.
- Elevated MSAFP with normal AFAFP can indicate HCC in pregnancy.
Implications:
- Early HCC detection in pregnancy requires vigilant screening.
- MSAFP screening, AFAFP, and abdominal sonography are vital diagnostic tools.
- Timely diagnosis and management are critical for improving maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancy-associated HCC.