Hepatocellular carcinoma as a rare cause of an excessive increase in alpha-fetoprotein during pregnancy

A case report is presented on a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during pregnancy, in which a massive increase in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was found during a routine screening for neural tube defects in the 17th week of pregnancy. The amniocentesis revealed a normal AFP level in the amniotic fluid. Liver sonography in the 21st week of pregnancy showed a 5-cm tumor, which was interpreted as nodular focal hyperplasia. In the control sonography in the 32nd week of pregnancy, there was growth to 12 cm. The subsequently performed magnetic resonance imaging and fine-needle aspiration led to the diagnosis of a HCC. Delivery was performed in the 34th week of pregnancy by cesarean section, and surgical therapy of the HCC followed. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.