ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the diagnostic accuracy of the following parameters in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer: carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), carbohydrate antigen 50 (CA 50), alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), alpha-2 macroglobulin (AMG), and ceruloplasmin (CP). PATIENTS AND MENTOD: We prospectively studied 58 patients with pancreatic cancer, 40 with alcoholic pancreatitis and 40 healthy controls, in whom the above-mentioned parameters were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC curves) were analyzed. RESULTS: The specificity of TPA, CA 19-9 and CA 50 in the differential diagnosis between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis was 87.5%, 90% and 95% respectively, with a sensitivity of nearly 90%. Although levels of AAT, AMG and CP were higher in patients with cancer than in those with pancreatitis, their specificity was lower, approximately 65%. CEA and TPA showed a positive association with the presence of metastases. CONCLUSION: TPA, CA 19-9 and CA 50 were useful in the differential diagnosis between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis.
Subject(s)
Acute-Phase Proteins , Biomarkers, Tumor , Pancreatic Neoplasms/diagnosis , Acute-Phase Proteins/analysis , Aged , Biomarkers, Tumor/blood , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pancreatic Neoplasms/blood , Prospective Studies , ROC Curve , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
We describe a case of hemobilia after liver biopsy, which resolved spontaneously. Clinical, analytical and sonographic monitoring were performed until the patient returned to normal. We highlight the particular characteristics of the onset and evolution in our case, as well as the role played by ultrasonography in diagnosing and monitoring. We conclude by pointing out the increasing frequency of hemobilia as a complication to invasive techniques.
