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503564 
Journal Article 
Elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein, umbilical vein varix, and mesenchymal dysplasia: are they related? 
Mulch, AD; Stallings, SP; Salafia, CM 
2006 
1 
Prenatal Diagnosis
ISSN: 0197-3851
EISSN: 1097-0223 
26 
8 
659-661 
English 
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 (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 
mesenchymal dysplasia; umbilical vein varix; elevated maternal serum; alpha-fetoprotein; prenatal-diagnosis