Amniotic fluid embolism

Imran Aurangzeb, MDa, Liziamma George, MD, FACP, FCCPbc, Suhail Raoof, MD, FCCP, FCCM, FACPac

Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare syndrome that can have debilitating and lethal consequences. It is a difficult and somewhat intangible diagnosis that warrants a high index of suspicion by physicians. Prompt and aggressive supportive treatment is required to lessen an otherwise dismal outcome, which may include death and permanent disability. This article provides an account of the protean clinical features, pathogenesis, and principles involved in treatment.

a Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, New York Methodist Hospital, 506 Sixth Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA

b Medical ICU and Respiratory Care Unit, New York Methodist Hospital, 506 Sixth Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA

c Department of Clinical Medicine, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA

Corresponding author. Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, New York Methodist Hospital, 506 Sixth Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215

PII: S0749-0704(04)00064-8

doi:10.1016/j.ccc.2004.06.002

© 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.