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Massive amniotic fluid embolism.

R Turner, M Gusack

Annals of Emergency Medicine

|May 1, 1984

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Amniotic fluid embolus is a rare but fatal condition. This case highlights the importance of considering amniotic fluid embolism in pregnant patients experiencing sudden shortness of breath and shock.

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Area of Science:

Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pulmonology
Critical Care Medicine

Background:

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare, life-threatening obstetric emergency.
It is characterized by the sudden cardiovascular collapse of the mother and fetus.

Observation:

A 42-week pregnant patient presented with painful uterine contractions and delayed hospital arrival due to vomiting.
She developed dyspnea, fatigue, leg cramps, anxiety, and cyanosis, progressing to bradycardic cardiopulmonary arrest within 15 minutes.
Autopsy confirmed massive pulmonary amniotic fluid emboli.

Findings:

Massive pulmonary amniotic fluid emboli were identified as the cause of death.
The patient experienced rapid deterioration, leading to cardiopulmonary arrest despite resuscitation and emergency cesarean section.

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Implications:

Amniotic fluid embolism should be strongly considered in the differential diagnosis of pregnant patients presenting with acute dyspnea and shock.
Early recognition and management are critical, though often challenging due to the rapid progression of AFE.