Delayed paradoxical air embolism following caesarian section for placenta previa--a case history

To the Forensic Pathologist air embolism is a well recognized cause of sudden death arising due to a variety of causes, be they therapeutic, accidental or criminal. Two variations of this theme have been reported in the literature. These are: paradoxical air embolism, where air entering the venous circulation finds its way, usually via a congenital heart abnormality, into the systemic circulation; and the phenomenon of delayed air embolism where death does not immediately ensue, but occurs often some hours after air enters the circulation. Presented here is a case illustrating both of the above features occurring in a woman who underwent a Caesarian section for placenta previa.