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. ⋯ 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.
G Tramoni, S Valentin, M O Robert, M V Sergeant, P Branche, S Duperret, H J Clement, F Lopez, C Boisson, P Audra, R C Rudigoz, and J P Viale.
Département 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.tra... more moni@chu-lyon.fr less
Int J Obstet Anesth. 2004 Oct 1;13(4):271-4.
AbstractAmniotic 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.