Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-q99xh Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-24T16:09:53.732Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Extreme levels of alpha-fetoprotein in a newborn with a benign intrapericardial teratoma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2006

Bart Meuris ,
Marc Gewillig  and
Bart Meyns
Bart Meuris
Affiliation:
Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Marc Gewillig
Affiliation:
Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium Paediatric Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Bart Meyns
Affiliation:
Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

We report a neonate presenting with an intrapericardial benign teratoma and an exceptionally high level of alpha-fetoprotein. Such severe elevation of alpha-fetoprotein in a neonate with a teratoma is usually associated with the presence of immature or malignant elements, compromising the prognosis. The tumour in our patient, however, proved to be completely benign. We discuss recent findings with regard to normal levels of alpha-fetoprotein levels in preterm infants, and in children with neonatal teratomas.

Keywords

Cardiac tumours, congenital heart disease, paediatrics
Type
Brief Report
Information
Cardiology in the Young , Volume 16 , Issue 1 , January 2006 , pp. 76 - 77
Copyright
© 2006 Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Isaacs Jr H.. Perinatal (fetal and neonatal) germ cell tumors. J Pediatr Surg 2004; 39: 1003–1013.Google Scholar
Blair JI, Carachi R, Gupta R, Sim FG, McAllister EJ, Weston R. Plasma alpha-fetoprotein reference ranges in infancy: effect of prematurity. Arch Dis Child 1987; 62: 362–369.Google Scholar
Roy N, Blurton DJ, Azakie A, Karl TR. Immature intrapericardial teratoma in a newborn with elevated alpha-fetoprotein. Ann Thorac Surg 2004; 78: e6–e8.Google Scholar
Heerema-McKennedy A, Harrison MR, Bratton B, Farrell J, Zaloudek C. Congenital teratoma. A clinicopathological study of 22 fetal and neonatal tumors. Am J Surg Pathol 2005; 29: 29–38.Google Scholar
Bader D, Riskin A, Vafsi O, et al. Alpha-fetoprotein in the early neonatal period – a large study and review of the literature. Clin Chim Acta 2004; 349: 15–23.Google Scholar