• Jeong-In Yang, Haeng-Soo Kim, Ki-Hong Chang, Hee-Sug Ryu, and Hee-Jae Joo.
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ajou University School of Medicine, San-5, Wonchon-dong, Paldal-ku, Kyunggi-do, 443-749 Suwon, South Korea. yangji@madang.ajou.ac.kr
• J Reprod Med. 2006 Jan 1; 51 (1): 64-6.

BackgroundAmniotic fluid embolism is a life-threatening complication of pregnancy accompanied by a high mortality rate. The common clinical presentation is sudden onset of dyspnea, hypotension inappropriate to the volume of blood loss, and hypoxia, followed by cardiopulmonary arrest. Recently, cases of amniotic fluid embolism with isolated coagulopathy as an atypical presentation have been reported.CaseA 27-year-old multigravida presented with continuous postpartum oozing after an uneventful vaginal delivery at 38 weeks of gestation. Laboratory evidence revealed disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. Despite good uterine contractions and massive blood component therapy, vaginal bleeding continued and finally led to emergency laparotomy. Histopathologic examination showed a deep cervical laceration in the endocervix, and multiple areas of amniotic fluid debris were demonstrated in the laceration site vasculature of the endocervix. After hysterectomy, the patient recovered fully, without sequelae.ConclusionThis case represents atypical symptoms and signs: clinical hemorrhage in the initial presentation rather than the classical pattern of cardiopulmonary collapse. In cases of suspected amniotic fluid embolism with an atypical presentation, a thorough histologic examination of the uterus, including the cervix, is critical to making the diagnosis of amniotic fluid embolism.

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