Inappropriate CA 72-4 elevation in a Helicobacter pylori infected patient.

Carcinoma antigen 72-4 is a cell surface glycoprotein produced by gastric carcinoma cells. In the case presented, Helicobacter pylori infection induced an inappropriate elevation of this tumour antigen in a 66-year-old female patient, reaching values seen with gastric carcinomas. Extragastric sources of CA 72-4 elevation were ruled out. The elevation slowly returned to normal levels after two courses of triple and sequential eradication therapy, causing considerable anxiety for the patient and several costly examinations.