Sudden death following cesarean section for placenta previa and accreta.
A case of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in a young woman after cesarean section for placenta previa and accreta is presented. Evidence of extensive pulmonary embolization by trophoblastic tissue, together with microthrombi in the cerebral and pulmonary blood vessels, is found at autopsy. Awareness of this syndrome and prompt action are necessary to prevent tragic consequences.
Rashid
A M
AM
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Moir
C L
CL
Butt
J C
JC
D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section; D003645:Death, Sudden / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D004211:Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010921:Placenta Accreta / Q000150:complications*; D010923:Placenta Previa / Q000150:complications*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology