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[Chronic high levels of CK-MB]
C A de Almeida1, P Busto, A R Alonso
1Hospital General Yagüe, Burgos, Espanha.
Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Falsely elevated creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) levels can occur due to macro CK type 2. This phenomenon is often linked to digestive diseases, necessitating CK isoenzyme analysis when clinical findings conflict with CK-MB results.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Chemistry
- Diagnostic Medicine
Background:
- Creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) is a biomarker used in diagnosing myocardial infarction.
- Elevated CK-MB levels typically indicate cardiac muscle damage.
- Macro CK, particularly type 2, can interfere with standard CK-MB assays.
Observation:
- Two cases presented with falsely elevated CK-MB levels.
- Isoenzyme electrophoresis identified the cause as macro CK type 2.
- A frequent association between this false elevation and digestive diseases was noted.
Findings:
- Macro CK type 2 can lead to spurious elevations in CK-MB measurements.
- Digestive diseases are commonly associated with the presence of macro CK type 2.
- CK isoenzyme quantification via electrophoresis is crucial for accurate diagnosis in specific clinical scenarios.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider macro CK type 2 in cases of unexplained elevated CK-MB.
- Electrophoresis for CK isoenzymes can resolve diagnostic discrepancies.
- This finding aids in differentiating true cardiac events from laboratory artifacts, especially in patients with gastrointestinal conditions.