Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels in Chorioangiomas

ABSTRACT

It has been suggested that chorioangiomas should be added to the list of causes of elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels. We undertook a review of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels in chorioangiomas histologically diagnosed in our department, and a review of the literature. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein level was elevated in only 1 of our 11 cases of chorioangioma. To date, there have been 14 case reports of chorioangiomas in which maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels have been recorded; 12 of these were associated with elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels. We consider that, although chorioangiomas may be a cause of elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels, it is likely to be infrequently a cause of such elevations in our population.