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Hepatitis C virus associated primary hepatocellular carcinoma in a noncirrhotic liver

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Summary

The case of a 71-year-old man with a primary hepatocellular carcinoma in a non-cirrhotic liver is reported. There were no risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-like liver cirrhosis, alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, exposure to vinyl chloride, thorotrast, aflatoxin or α1-antitrypsin deficiency. Serologically, the patient was positive for antibodies to the hepatitis B virus (anti-HBc, anti-HBs) and for anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies. Virologically, positive and negative strands of HCV RNA could be detected in the patient's serum and tumorous liver tissue by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction as a sign of persistent HCV replication. Histologically, the HCC was completely surrounded by liver tissue which showed the signs of nodular regenerative hyperplasia. Indeed, the mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis remains to be clarified. However, this case supports the observation that HCC may also develop in patients with HCV infection without preexisting liver cirrhosis.

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Abbreviations

HBV:

hepatitis B virus

HBsAg:

hepatitis B surface antigen

HCC:

hepatocellular carcinoma

HCV:

hepatitis C virus

NRH:

nodular regenerative hyperplasia

PCR:

polymerase chain reaction

RT:

reverse transcription

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. I. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, W-6500, Mainz, Germany

    W. Herr, G. Gerken, T. Poralla, S. Immenschuh &  K.-H. Meyer zum Büschenfelde

  2. Institut für Pathologie der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany

    P. Schirmacher

  3. Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein- und Abdominalchirurgie der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany

    K. W. Steegmüller

  4. Institut für Klinische Strahlenkunde der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany

    H. Schwickert

Authors
  1. W. Herr
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  2. G. Gerken
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  3. T. Poralla
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  4. S. Immenschuh
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  5. P. Schirmacher
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  6. K. W. Steegmüller
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  7. H. Schwickert
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  8. K.-H. Meyer zum Büschenfelde
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Herr, W., Gerken, G., Poralla, T. et al. Hepatitis C virus associated primary hepatocellular carcinoma in a noncirrhotic liver. Clin Investig 71, 49–53 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00210964

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00210964

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