Amniotic fluid contains acetyl cholinesterase enzyme. What is the diagnosis ?
Correct Answer: Open spina bifida
Description: Amniotic fluid Acetylcholineesterase level is elevated in open neural tube defect:
It has a better diagnostic value than AFP.
In case of suspected neural tube defect, on Amniocentesis, if amniotic fluid AFP levels are raised but Acetylcholinesterase levels are normal, patient should be reassured that elevated AFP levels are probably caused by fetal blood contamination but, if acetyl cholinesterase is also elevated along with AFP it is indicative of NTD.
It also helps to distinguish between neural tube defect and abdominal wall defects (both of which cause elevated MSAFP):
– Acetyl cholinesterase is raised in open NTD, but is low in abdominal wall defects.
– In patients with NTD, the ratio of acetylcholinesterase to butyrlcholinesterase levels is 0.14 or more. In case of abdominal wall defects this ratio is less than 0.14.
Category:
Gynaecology & Obstetrics
Get More
Subject Mock Tests
Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.
Attempt a mock test nowMock Exam
Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.
Coming SoonGet More
Subject Mock Tests
Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.
Attempt a mock test now