Extraordinarily elevated CA19-9 in benign conditions: A case report and review of the literature

Carbohydrate antigen CA19-9 is commonly used in the diagnosis of pancreatic and biliary malignancies. However, increases in its level in benign conditions such as acute cholangitis or pancreatitis have also been reported. A 79-year-old woman presented with cholangitis and a pancreatic pseudo-cyst while showing elevation of CA19-9 up to 35,500 U/mL. The patient was adequately treated and at two months' followup the CA19-9 level had returned to normal.