Ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma with elevated β-human chorionic gonadotropin A case report

Rationale: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the syncytiotrophoblasts of the placenta. However, hCG (particularly beta-hCG) is also expressed in many normal nontrophoblastic tissues. Here, we report the case of a 50-year-old woman diagnosed with ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma with elevated beta-hCG, which was insensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs and had a poor prognosis. Patient concerns: A 50-year-old woman with abdominal distention was admitted to our hospital. Pelvic computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were highly suggestive of multiple metastases of ovarian cancer. Surprisingly, an elevation in beta-hCG levels was also measured. Diagnosis and interventions: The patient underwent laparoscopic examination and was diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. After 2 prior chemotherapies with paclitaxel and carboplatin, the patient underwent cytoreductive surgery and continued receiving chemotherapy. However, recurrent lesions were observed during the period of chemotherapy, and the level of beta-hCG increased. Alternative chemotherapy with liposomal doxorubicin was administered, but it also had a poor therapeutic effect. Outcomes: The progression was rapid with a continuous increase in beta-hCG levels, and the patient died 9 months after surgery. Lessons: Gynecologists should be aware of women with ovarian carcinoma with an elevated beta-hCG level, which suggests a poor prognosis.

Automated summary

This case report describes a 50-year-old woman diagnosed with ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma with elevated beta-hCG, which was insensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs and had a poor prognosis.