title: Fatal pulmonary embolism following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section.
abstract: Pulmonary embolism remains one of the commonest causes of maternal death. Regional blockade is reported to decrease the incidence of postoperative thrombo-embolic disease. We describe a case in which a fatal pulmonary embolism followed an emergency Caesarean section for which the patient was given a spinal anaesthetic. We believe it to be the first time this has been reported.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthetics, Edgware General Hospital, Middlesex.
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: McHale
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Tilak
authors.forename: P N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Robinson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology*