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Elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein, umbilical vein varix, and mesenchymal dysplasia: are they related?
Amanda D Mulch1, Shawn P Stallings, Carolyn M Salafia
1University of Tennessee College of Medicine-Chattanooga Unit Department of OB/GYN, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA. amulchdrsmiley@hotmail.com
Objectives And Methods:
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.
Conclusion:
Abnormal testing should be an indication for close evaluation of the placenta and placental structures, as well as the fetus.
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