RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Serum levels of tumor markers can be elevated in several benign diseases affecting the serosal surfaces. Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetic disease characterized by acute attacks of fever and inflammation of the serosal membranes. The aim of this study was to examine the levels of tumor markers in FMF patients and their correlation with the frequency of attacks. METHODS: Serum levels of CA 125, CA 19-9, CA 15-3, CA 72-4, CEA, and AFP were measured by ELISA in 36 patients with a definitive diagnosis of FMF (21 males, 15 females, mean age 36.4+/-10.3 yrs) and in 19 healthy controls. RESULTS: Serum levels of all tumor markers were normal in the controls. In FMF patients serum levels of CA 125, CA 19.9, CA 15.3, CEA and AFP were within normal ranges, whereas CA 72.4 was significantly higher than in the controls (p=0.001). Half of the FMF patients showed increased levels of CA 72.4; the mean level was lower in those in complete remission. However, no statistically significant correlation was found between FMF attacks and acute phase reactant levels. CONCLUSION: With the exception of Ca 72.4, serum levels of tumor markers are not affected by changes in inflammatory cytokines levels during FMF attacks.
Assuntos
Biomarcadores Tumorais/sangue , Febre Familiar do Mediterrâneo/sangue , Proteínas de Fase Aguda/análise , Adulto , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Feminino , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMO
Leiomyoma is the most common benign tumor of the esophagus, and usually occurs as a solitary mass. We report a case of esophageal leiomyoma which shows multinodular growth pattern with bulbous serosal protrusions. The patient was a 26-year-old woman who had an esophageal ulcerated mass near the gastroesophageal junction. Clinical findings were consistent with carcinoma of the gastric cardia. Based on the clinical diagnosis, total gastrectomy with distal esophagectomy was performed. Histologic appearance of the resected specimen was consistent with leiomyoma which had a multinodular growth pattern.