Korean J Anesthesiol.  2010 Dec;59(Suppl):S158-S162. 10.4097/kjae.2010.59.S.S158.

Amniotic fluid embolism that took place during an emergent Cesarean section: A case report

• Lee JH
• Yang HJ
• Kim JH
• Lee SY
• Gill HJ
• Kim BK
• Kim MG

• KMID: 2237377
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2010.59.S.S158

Abstract

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare but fatal obstetric emergency, characterized by sudden cardiovascular collapse, dyspnea or respiratory arrest and altered mentality, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). It can lead to severe maternal morbidity and mortality, but the prediction of its occurrence and treatment are very difficult. We experienced a case of AFE during emergent Cesarean section in a 40(+6) weeks healthy pregnant woman, age 33. Sudden dyspnea, hypotension, signs of pulmonary edema and DIC were developed during Cesarean section, and cardiac arrest followed after these events. The course of these events was so rapid and catastrophic, which was consistent with AFE. Thus, we report this case precisely and review pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment of AFE by referring to up-to-date literatures.

Keyword

Complications; Amniotic fluid embolism, Cardiac arrest, Surgery; Cesarean section

MeSH Terms

Amniotic Fluid
Cesarean Section
Dacarbazine
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Dyspnea
Embolism, Amniotic Fluid
Emergencies
Female
Heart Arrest
Humans
Hypogonadism
Hypotension
Mitochondrial Diseases
Ophthalmoplegia
Pregnancy
Pregnant Women
Pulmonary Edema
Dacarbazine
Hypogonadism
Mitochondrial Diseases
Ophthalmoplegia