title: Amniotic Fluid Embolism with Isolated Coagulopathy: A Report of Two Cases.
abstract: Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) is a catastrophic complication of pregnancy with high mortality rate. The most common clinical presentation is an abrupt onset of cardiopulmonary collapse. Here, we present an uncommon variant involving isolated disseminated intravascular coagulation that developed without antecedent cardiopulmonary disturbances. Both patients developed symptoms soon after delivery. Blood test was sent at 14 minutes postpartum for the second patient due to suspected amniotic fluid embolism. Fetal components were observed in the uterine veins of the lower uterine segments in both cases. Amniotic fluid embolism with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy typically progresses faster than disseminated intravascular coagulopathy associated with other causes and symptoms. It usually develops within two hours of delivery. Prompt recognition and treatment of this entity is crucial to survival.
authors.affiliation: Attending Physician, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mennonite Christian Hospital , Hualien, Taiwan .
authors.forename: Chi-Yuan
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.affiliation: Attending Physician, Department of Pathology, Mennonite Christian Hospital , Hualien, Taiwan .
authors.forename: Fuh-Jinn
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Luo
keywords: Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy; Fetal components; Maternal death; Postpartum haemorrhage