A co-twin fetus papyraceus as a cause of elevated AFP and acetylcholinesterase in the amniotic fluid of the normal co-twin

Pediatr Pathol. 1991 May-Jun;11(3):487-91. doi: 10.3109/15513819109064784.

Abstract

An elevated amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein (AF-AFP) level together with a positive acetylcholinesterase (AChE) band is strongly predictive of neural tube defect (NTD) in the fetus. We report such results in a pregnancy in which the fetus was found to be normal after termination. Among the placental fragments was found a sac containing a prenatally undetected co-twin fetus papyraceus. We suggest that pregnant women with such laboratory results but lacking sonographic evidence of NTD should have a high-level untrasonographic investigation, as well as a thorough pathologic examination of both placenta and fetus in cases of termination.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholinesterase / metabolism*
  • Adult
  • Amniocentesis
  • Amniotic Fluid / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Fetal Death*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Multiple*
  • Ultrasonography
  • alpha-Fetoproteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • alpha-Fetoproteins
  • Acetylcholinesterase