Macro-Aspartate Aminotransferase: A Benign Cause of Abnormal Laboratory Findings

Abstract

Isolated, persistent elevations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) without plausible explanation may lead to diagnostic confusion. Macro-enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (macro-AST) is an uncommon and benign cause of persistently elevated AST levels in the absence of other diseases. We present a case of macro-AST in an otherwise healthy adult male which was confirmed by polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation.

Persistently high serum aspartate aminotransferase level in an asymptomatic young patient

“…Almost all of the cases were diagnosed by PEG precipitation (Table 3). 2,3,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19] There are many different methods for detecting macro-AST, including GFC, UF, PEG precipitation test, and stored refrigeration at 4°C. 3,6 The final diagnosis of macro-AST was confirmed by the PEG precipitation test.…”

“…Almost all of the cases were diagnosed by PEG precipitation (Table 3 ). 2 , 3 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 …”