Amniotic fluid embolism during caesarean section.
Amniotic fluid embolism occurs rarely but is a leading cause of maternal mortality. A high index of clinical suspicion is necessary to make an early diagnosis to reduce morbidity and mortality. We report a non-fatal case of amniotic fluid embolism occurring during a caesarean section, with special emphasis on the mode of development and diagnosis. The initial presentation of this syndrome was a coagulopathy, followed by the usual complications of massive bleeding. Although non-specific, the diagnosis of amniotic fluid embolism was supported by the observation of amniotic fluid in the central venous blood as well as in the broncho-alveolar fluid.
Département d'anesthésie réanimation, Service d'obstétrique and Fédération de Biochimie, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, and Service d'obstétrique, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Pavillon K, Lyon, France. gerard.tramoni@chu-lyon.fr
G
G
Tramoni
S
S
Valentin
M O
MO
Robert
M V
MV
Sergeant
P
P
Branche
S
S
Duperret
H J
HJ
Clement
F
F
Lopez
C
C
Boisson
P
P
Audra
R C
RC
Rudigoz
J P
JP
Viale
D000328:Adult; D000650:Amnion / Q000166:cytology; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000166:cytology; D002585:Cesarean Section; D004619:Embolism, Amniotic Fluid / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011517:Prothrombin Time; D012121:Respiration, Artificial