Alpha-fetoprotein producing pulmonary blastoma in a patient with systemic sclerosis: pathogenetic analysis

Eur Respir J. 1998 May;11(5):1185-7. doi: 10.1183/09031936.98.11051185.

Abstract

We describe a rare case of pulmonary blastoma complicated with systemic sclerosis. The serum alpha-fetoprotein level was elevated at presentation and the biopsied tumour stained positively against anti-alpha-fetoprotein antibody. The alpha-fetoprotein produced autonomously by tumour cells was of yolk-sac origin. Although the pathogenesis of pulmonary blastoma has not been clarified, we suggest that this pulmonary blastoma is a type of yolk-sac tumour.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / complications*
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Lung Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Blastoma / complications*
  • Pulmonary Blastoma / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Blastoma / metabolism*
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / complications*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • alpha-Fetoproteins / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • alpha-Fetoproteins