Amniotic fluid embolism during caesarean section

G Tramoni1, S Valentin, M O Robert

  • 1Département d'anesthésie réanimation, Service d'obstétrique and Fédération de Biochimie, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, and Service d'obstétrique, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Pavillon K, Lyon, France. gerard.tramoni@chu-lyon.fr

Amniotic fluid embolism occurs rarely but is a leading cause of maternal mortality. A high index of clinical suspicion is necessary to make an early diagnosis to reduce morbidity and mortality. We report a non-fatal case of amniotic fluid embolism occurring during a caesarean section, with special emphasis on the mode of development and diagnosis. The initial presentation of this syndrome was a coagulopathy, followed by the usual complications of massive bleeding. Although non-specific, the diagnosis of amniotic fluid embolism was supported by the observation of amniotic fluid in the central venous blood as well as in the broncho-alveolar fluid.

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