A rational diagnostic approach to the “phantom hCG” and other clinical scenarios in which a patient is thought to be pregnant but is not
2021 ◽
Vol 15
◽
pp. 263349412110164
Keyword(s):
The scenario in which a patient tests positive for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the absence of pregnancy can pose a diagnostic dilemma for clinicians. The term “phantom hCG” refers to persistently positive hCG levels on diagnostic testing in a nonpregnant patient and such results often lead to a false diagnosis of malignancy and subsequent inappropriate treatment with chemotherapy or hysterectomy. There remains a need for a consistent and rational diagnostic approach to the “phantom hCG.” This article aims to review the different etiologies of positive serum hCG testing in nonpregnant subjects and concludes with a practical, stepwise diagnostic approach to assist clinicians encountering this clinical dilemma.
2016 ◽
Vol 59
(6)
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pp. 554
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2003 ◽
Vol 101
(5)
◽
pp. 1144-1146
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2003 ◽
Vol 101
(Supplement)
◽
pp. 1144-1146
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Keyword(s):
2008 ◽
Vol 13
(11)
◽
pp. 1149-1154
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2002 ◽
Vol 187
(1)
◽
pp. 217-224
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1999 ◽
Vol 13
(1)
◽
pp. 58-62
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