Amniotic fluid embolism complicated by paradoxical embolism and disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare syndrome with potentially lethal outcomes. Complications include cardiorespiratory failure, disseminated intra-vascular coagulation, seizures, neurological deficits, and death. A 34-year-old woman had amniotic fluid embolism complicated by paradoxical embolism and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Emergency cesarean section followed by cardiopulmonary bypass with removal of the clot from the atria and closure of the patent foramen ovale was performed, resulting in a good outcome for both the mother and the baby. Subsequent treatment with anticoagulants for 6 months was recommended. A literature review revealed that this clinical scenario is rare but can be successfully managed by cardiopulmonary bypass and thromboembolectomy. Data on guidelines for the use of anticoagulation in this situation are limited.
Kumar
Sumeet
S
Caritas St Elizabeth's Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Wong
Glenn
G
Maysky
Michael
M
Shulman
Mark
M
Olenchock
Stephen
S
Falzon-Kirby
Maria
M
Oo
Thein H
TH
D000328:Adult; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D002585:Cesarean Section; D004619:Embolism, Amniotic Fluid / Q000601:surgery*; D019320:Embolism, Paradoxical / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D054092:Foramen Ovale, Patent / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy