Elevated second trimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein and cytomegalovirus infection

A case is presented of intrauterine cytomegalovirus infection. Initially, the infection was most probably manifested by elevated second trimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels. Placental involvement by the infectious agent may have produced the elevations in maternal serum. Alpha-fetoprotein elevation unrelated to fetal anatomic abnormalities, twins, or incorrect dates may represent a potential marker of placental pathology.