Elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein, umbilical vein varix, and mesenchymal dysplasia: are they related?

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. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]