Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Volume 3, Issue 1 (February 2013)

ISSN Print: 2160-8792   ISSN Online: 2160-8806

Google-based Impact Factor: 0.61  Citations  

Peripartum pulmonary embolism: Anesthetic and surgical considerations

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DOI: 10.4236/ojog.2013.31A030    5,632 Downloads   8,525 Views  Citations

ABSTRACT

Pregnancy and peripartum period leads to Virchow’s triad (hypercoagulability, venous stasis and vascular injury) thereby increasing the risk of thromboembolism by many folds in these patients. Accurate diagnosis of peripartum pulmonary embolism is pertinent for reducing morbidity and mortality. Accurate diagnosis is also vital for avoiding the adverse effects of unwanted anticoagulation in pregnant mother and fetus in a patient wrongly diagnosed with this condition. Computerized tomographic pulmonary angiography has a high specificity and sensitivity in comparison to ventilation/perfusion scan for diagnosis of peripartum pulmonary embolism (PPE). It has a lower fetal radiation exposure and aids in arriving at an alternative diagnosis, if PPE is absent. Low molecular weight heparin is the medication of choice in the treatment of peripartum pulmonary embolism. Thrombolysis is considered in patients with massive PPE and hemodynamic instability, refractory hypoxia or right ventricular dysfunction. Regional anesthesia/analgesia can be given safely in these patients. We report two cases of PPE and review the anesthetic and surgical consideration.

Share and Cite:

Shaikh, N. , Ummunnisa, F. , Aboobacker, N. , Gazali, M. and Kokash, O. (2013) Peripartum pulmonary embolism: Anesthetic and surgical considerations. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 3, 158-164. doi: 10.4236/ojog.2013.31A030.

Cited by

[1] Peripartum Pulmonary Embolism
2019
[2] Hluboká žilní trombóza a plicní embolie v těhotenství
2017
[3] Hluboká žilní trombóza a plicní embolie v těhotenství.
Anaesthesiology & Intensive Medicine / Anesteziologie a Intenzivni Medicina, 2017
[4] Trombofilní stavy v těhotenství
Anaesthesiology & Intensive Medicine, 2016

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