Mild elevation of liver function tests associated with renal cell carcinoma in a multimorbid older patient - a case of Stauffer's syndrome.

Abstract

We describe a case of a 74-year-old patient with recurrent fever of up-to 38.5°C, nocturnal sweating, weight loss of 4 kg, non-characteristic pain, and elevation of liver function tests (LFTs), who was diagnosed with Stauffer's syndrome. The patient successfully underwent laparoscopic heminephrectomy. The histology was clear-cell carcinoma of the right kidney (cT1a). The abnormalities in laboratory tests, such as Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, C-reactive protein, LFTs, α2-globulin, and most clinical symptoms abated 2 weeks post-surgery. We hypothesize that elevated LFTs in renal cell carcinoma patients could help deciding in favour of surgery in cases where the initial decision would be watchful waiting.