Elevated NSE

An increased serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentration of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) above the reference range (approximately 12.5-17 μg/L), reflecting neuronal injury, neuroendocrine cell damage, or increased turnover of NSE-producing cells.

Causes

• Neurological injury and disorders

  • Stroke

  • Head trauma

  • Cardiac arrest with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury

  • Seizures/status epilepticus

  • Encephalitis

• Malignancy

  • Small cell lung carcinoma

  • Neuroblastoma

  • Neuroendocrine tumors

  • Melanoma

  • Medullary thyroid carcinoma

• Hemolysis (release of NSE from erythrocytes and platelets)

• Tuberculosis

• Kidney failure (reduced clearance)