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.
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Department of Pathology, Auckland University School of Medicine, New Zealand.
D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D010923:Placenta Previa / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011247:Pregnancy