Journal article
Defying the Odds: Survival After Amniotic Fluid Embolism and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support
JACC. Case reports, v 30(23), 104182
13 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Background: Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare potential complication in the peripartum period. Case Summary: A 27-year-old nulliparous woman presented for elective induction at 41 weeks' gestation. Due to nonreassuring fetal heart tracing, the patient underwent emergent caesarean section complicated by pulseless electrical activity arrest secondary to suspected amniotic fluid embolism after fetus delivery. Despite return of spontaneous circulation, the patient remained in cardiogenic shock with right ventricular failure. The patient was cannulated for venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. After 5 days, she was converted to a right ventricular assist device, with ultimate complete biventricular recovery. Discussion: The use of multidisciplinary cardiogenic shock team aids in swift escalation of care in patients with refractory shock requiring mechanical circulatory support. It is crucial to initiate cardiogenic shock teams early in a patient's clinical course. Take-Home Messages: Amniotic fluid embolism is a known cause of mortality in postpartum women. Severe cases can lead to cardiac arrest. Rapid initiation of mechanical circulatory support can save lives.
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Details
- Title
- Defying the Odds: Survival After Amniotic Fluid Embolism and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support
- Creators
- Mariah Mascara - Allegheny General HospitalAndrea Caudill - Allegheny General HospitalAnantha S. Madgula - Allegheny General HospitalAlysa Pivik - Allegheny General HospitalSaad Tabbara - Allegheny General HospitalTyler VanDyck - Allegheny General HospitalCandice Lee - Allegheny General HospitalMasaki Tsukashita - Allegheny General HospitalShan Modi - Allegheny General HospitalKarthikeyan Ranganathan - Allegheny General Hospital
- Publication Details
- JACC. Case reports, v 30(23), 104182
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Surgery; Emergency Medicine; General Internal Medicine
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105012226745
- Other Identifier
- 991022076807304721