Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy: a diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancyor Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare obstetric catastrophe. Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare syndrome with potentially lethal outcomes. Complications include cardiorespiratory failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation, seizures, neurological deficits, and death. We describe a case of 24 year old primigravida with 8 weeks of amenorrhoea with anembroynic pregnancy. Following D & C patient developed breathlessness circulatory collapse and had disseminated intravascular coagulation. Patient was successfully reviewed by inotropes, heparin and mechanical ventilatory support. Amniotic fluid embolism is life threatening and difficult to predict or prevent, which should be always be kept in mind in a parturient with sudden cardiovascular collapse, so that resuscitation measures taken immediately, as early intervention is essential for a positive outcome.