Positive pregnancy tests in a postmenopausal woman due to beta-human chorionic gonadotropin production by multiple myeloma

Am J Med Sci. 2010 Feb;339(2):182-4. doi: 10.1097/MAJ.0b013e3181bccedb.

Abstract

Extensive immunochemical characterization has shown that the free beta subunit of hCG (betahCG) can be produced by common epithelial tumors, including lung, colon, and bladder. However, the expression of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in hematologic malignancies and its significance is largely unknown. We present an extremely rare case of positive serum betahCG in a postmenopausal woman with relapsed, refractory multiple myeloma with myeloma cells expressing betahCG on immunohistochemical stain.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / blood*
  • False Positive Reactions*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / blood*
  • Multiple Myeloma / diagnosis*
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy
  • Postmenopause*
  • Pregnancy Tests*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human