Hereditary persistence of alpha-fetoprotein.

Persistently elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels were found in a 43-yr-old man in the absence of any specific pathology. Elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein levels were subsequently found in three first-degree relatives, two siblings, and one daughter. This represents the third documented family with hereditary persistence of alpha-fetoprotein. The pedigree is consistent with an autosomal dominant inheritance. Such elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels may be difficult to interpret in patients being screened for malignancy or in maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein screening programs. This rare genetic condition seems benign, with no discernable disease or functional abnormality noted in follow-up over a 6-mo period.