Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma of the Liver Presents as a Molecular Mimic of Parasitic Infection
| Autor: | Laura Bauler, Joshua Mastenbrook, Richard A VanEnk, Arianna Letherer |
|---|---|
| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 2020 |
| Předmět: |
Pathology
medicine.medical_specialty sarcoma false-positive reactions Infectious Disease 030204 cardiovascular system & hematology Histoplasmosis Serology 03 medical and health sciences Entamoeba histolytica 0302 clinical medicine Antigen Biopsy Undifferentiated (Embryonal) Sarcoma medicine Internal Medicine biology medicine.diagnostic_test business.industry General Engineering biology.organism_classification medicine.disease predictive value of tests Echinococcus Oncology sensitivity and specificity Sarcoma enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay business 030217 neurology & neurosurgery |
| Zdroj: | Cureus |
| ISSN: | 2168-8184 |
| Popis: | Medical laboratory tests are becoming more reliable with increased specificity and sensitivity, leading to their use as definitive diagnostic tests for many medical conditions. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests are convenient, sensitive, and standardly used for rapid detection and quantification of antigens or patient antibodies against specific antigens. However, based upon the specificity and sensitivity of an ELISA test, the results may not be definitive for a specific disease but merely suggestive, due to potential cross-reactivity of antigens and antibodies. Here, we present a case of a 15-year-old male who presented with fever, nausea, and right upper quadrant pain. Computed tomography scan showed an 18-cm liver mass with cystic features. Biopsy results confirmed a diagnosis of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver; however, the clinical picture was complicated by positive ELISA results for Echinococcus, Entamoeba histolytica, and histoplasmosis. Due to the absence of travel and positive ELISA result for three different infectious agents, we hypothesize that tumor molecular mimicry might have led to false-positive ELISA results in the absence of infection in this case, demonstrating a limitation of ELISA serology. Critical appraisal of all possible evidence to ensure alignment when assigning the final diagnosis is essential for optimal patient outcomes. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
| Externí odkaz: |
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