Persistent low levels of serum hCG due to heterophilic mouse antibodies: an unrecognized pitfall in the diagnosis of trophoblastic disease

Gynecological Endocrinology : the Official Journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology
B González AguileraH Valdes-Socin

Abstract

Phantom hCG refers to persistent mild elevations of hCG, leading physicians to unnecessary treatments whereas neither a true hCG nor a trophoblastic disease is present. We report the case of a 23-year-old woman with persistent low levels of serum hCG detected one month after miscarriage. As choriocarcinoma was suspected, a chemotherapy trial of methotrexate was prescribed, without any hCG reduction. Subsequently, laparoscopy ruled out a trophoblastic residue and the patient was referred to the Endocrine Unit for further investigations. While low levels of hCG were still detected in serum, no hCG was detected in the urine. In addition, when serum was processed in a HBT tube for revealing heterophilic antibodies, hCG was no longer detected. Such finding indicated the presence of phantom hCG due to heterophilic mouse antibodies interaction. This case raises the need of clinico-biological discussion to avoid inappropriate therapeutic decisions. Based on this case experience and after review of the literature, we suggest that current gynecological protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of trophoblastic disease should consider the inclusion of urinary hCG and/or a test for serum heterophilic antibodies when appropriate.

References

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Nov 25, 1998·Gynecologic Oncology·L A Cole
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Oct 27, 2011·Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry·Laurence A Cole
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Aug 3, 2013·Annales de biologie clinique·Benjamin De BackerJean-Marc Minon
Dec 25, 2013·Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology·Janet Choi, Johan Smitz

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Citations

Jun 28, 2019·Laboratory Medicine·Adrianna Z HerskovitsGila Kriegel
Aug 22, 2018·APMIS : Acta Pathologica, Microbiologica, Et Immunologica Scandinavica·Debra S Heller

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