Elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein, umbilical vein varix, and mesenchymal dysplasia: are they related?
OBJECTIVE
Variceal dilatation of the umbilical vein is a rare vascular anomaly of the umbilical cord. We present a patient case where dilatation of the umbilical vein was associated with an elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein on prenatal testing and mesenchymal dysplasia on pathological evaluation of the placenta.


RESULTS
Alterations in the villous structure of the placenta as in mesenchymal dysplasia may lead to increased placental permeability causing an elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein on antenatal testing.


CONCLUSIONS
Abnormal testing should be an indication for close evaluation of the placenta and placental structures, as well as the fetus.
Mulch
Amanda D
AD
University of Tennessee College of Medicine-Chattanooga Unit Department of OB/GYN, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA. amulchdrsmiley@hotmail.com
Stallings
Shawn P
SP
Salafia
Carolyn M
CM
D000328:Adult; D002824:Chorionic Villi / Q000473:pathology; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008648:Mesoderm / Q000473:pathology*; D010920:Placenta / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014471:Umbilical Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis*
D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins