Unexplained, elevated maternal serum α-fetoprotein suggesting blunt abdominal trauma in pregnancy: A case report

BACKGROUND: Physical findings of abdominal trauma in pregnancy are often minimal or absent in spite of the poor outcome. CASE: A healthy, 28-year-old, Caucasian woman, gravida 3, para 2, underwent amniocentesis due to unexplained elevated maternal serum α-fetoprotein. The fluid was dark brown, evidence of an old intrauterine hemorrhage. Two weeks prior to blood sampling the patient experienced blunt abdominal trauma. In the emergency room no abnormal signs were found on physical examination. CONCLUSION: Abdominal trauma in pregnancy should be suspected in the case of elevated maternal serum α-fetoprotein and dark brown amniotic fluid.