Remarkable alpha-fetoprotein elevation and pseudo-infarction of cirrhotic liver: case report

Abstract

This is a case of remarkable alpha-fetoprotein in a female patient with known cryptogenic liver cirrhosis. Both ultrasound and triphasic computed tomography (CT) abdomen cannot diagnose or exclude hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It turns out to be a case of portal vein thrombosis and hepatic pseudo-infarction. It is better to postpone the therapeutic intervention, whether surgical or chemotherapeutic, in cases not confirmed to be HCC for at least 3 months to avoid misdiagnosis of hepatic pseudo-infarction.