Embolism during pregnancy: thrombus, air, and amniotic fluid.
Pulmonary embolism is the primary cause of acute respiratory decompensation during pregnancy. Regardless of the nature of the embolism, a high index of suspicion, early diagnosis, and aggressive resuscitation need to be instituted to achieve a successful maternal and fetal outcome. Several clinical characteristics will assist practitioners to distinguish among the different forms of embolism and to institute specific measures of treatment.
Gei
Alfredo F
AF
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0587, USA. afgei@utmb.edu
Vadhera
Rakesh B
RB
Hankins
Gary D V
GD
D004617:Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D004619:Embolism, Amniotic Fluid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy