A case of positive pregnancy test in a sexually inactive solid organ transplant recipient -- can human chorionic gonadotropin be transmitted through solid organ transplantation?

Abstract

A twenty one year old female with end stage renal disease underwent a non-related renal transplantation from a deceased pregnant donor. The recipient had a negative serum pregnancy test prior to her surgery. However postoperatively, a rise in her serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) level, which lasted several days, was documented. Solid organ transplantation is known to transmit various infections, malignant cells and antibodies from donor to recipient but no previous reports described transmission of hCG. This case report highlights the importance of considering this possibility when managing post-transplantation hormonal disturbances. Further research is warranted to evaluate the different mechanisms through which transmission occurs between donor and recipient.