Amniotic fluid embolism causing catastrophic pulmonary vasoconstriction: diagnosis by transesophageal echocardiogram and treatment by cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND: Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare yet often lethal peripartum complication resulting from rapid cardiovascular collapse. Progress toward a better understanding of this entity has failed to identify either the underlying hemodynamic pathophysiology or an effective evidence-based treatment.

CASE: A 45-year-old woman with a documented placenta previa experienced an amniotic fluid embolism during scheduled cesarean delivery. Transesophageal echocardiogram examination revealed catastrophic pulmonary vasoconstriction. The use of cardiopulmonary bypass, heparin, epinephrine, and high-dose steroids resulted in a successful outcome.

CONCLUSION: Timely placement of transesophageal echocardiogram revealed catastrophic pulmonary vasoconstriction as the cause of circulatory collapse in a patient with amniotic fluid embolism, supporting the use of cardiopulmonary bypass as an effective intervention.