Cardiorespiratory symptoms during pregnancy--not always pulmonary embolism.
We describe a case of sudden onset severe cardiorespiratory compromise in a parturient at 36 weeks' gestation. She received treatment for infection, pulmonary oedema and pulmonary embolism before a diagnosis of aortic dissection was made. Successful repair was undertaken following caesarean section. We discuss the difficulties of diagnosis of cardiorespiratory symptoms and the potential hazards of instituting therapy before a definitive diagnosis is reached. The value of a multidisciplinary team approach and the use of portable echocardiography in the investigation of both pulmonary embolism and cardiac disease are emphasised.
Evans
P J
PJ
Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea Hospital, London, UK.
Rajappan
K
K
Stocks
G M
GM
D000328:Adult; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000601:surgery; D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014463:Ultrasonography