• Kristen J Kent, Brian C Cooper, Karl W Thomas, and Frank J Zlatnik.
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine and The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
• Obstet Gynecol. 2003 Sep 1;102(3):493-5.

BackgroundAmniotic fluid embolism is seldom recognized in nonperipartum patients. The pathophysiology is uncertain and diagnosis imprecise, making management after stabilization difficult.CaseA 37-year-old woman at 28 weeks' gestation presented with signs and symptoms consistent with amniotic fluid embolism including disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. A ventilation-perfusion scan demonstrated unmatched perfusion defects, but other radiographic studies were negative; the patient was treated with heparin. Four days after presentation she had spontaneous rupture of membranes followed by hypoxemia, necessitating cesarean delivery. A pulmonary arteriogram after the operation showed multiple filling defects; the patient was discharged on warfarin.ConclusionAmniotic fluid embolism is a difficult diagnosis to make, at best. Anticoagulation may be a therapeutic option.

31 keywords...

hide…