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  • Title: CA19-9 serum levels in obstructive jaundice: clinical value in benign and malignant conditions.
    Author: Marrelli D, Caruso S, Pedrazzani C, Neri A, Fernandes E, Marini M, Pinto E, Roviello F.
    Journal: Am J Surg; 2009 Sep; 198(3):333-9. PubMed ID: 19375064.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Obstructive jaundice is frequently associated with false CA19-9 elevation in benign conditions. The diagnostic accuracy of this tumor marker was evaluated in the present longitudinal study. METHODS: In 128 patients admitted for obstructive jaundice (87 with pancreato-biliary malignancy and 41 benign disease) serum CA19-9 was measured. Statistical analysis of marker levels obtained before and after endoscopic biliary drainage was performed in 60 patients. RESULTS: Elevated CA19-9 levels (>37 U/mL) were found in 61% of benign cases and 86% of malignancies. After biliary drainage, decrease of serum CA19-9 was observed in 19 of 38 malignant cases and in almost all benign cases (Wilcoxon matched pairs test: P = .207 and P <.001, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified a cut-off value of 90 U/mL to be associated with improved diagnostic accuracy after biliary drainage (sensitivity 61%, specificity 95%). CONCLUSIONS: In the presence of successfully drained obstructive jaundice, CA19-9 serum levels that remain unchanged or measure more than 90 U/mL are strongly indicative of a malignant cause of obstruction. However, the real clinical utility of this marker remains controversial.
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