Abstract
Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is perhaps the most catastrophic of all of the emergencies in the field of obstetrics. The underlying pathophysiology of AFE, which has eluded both clinicians and researchers alike, involves an abnormal response to fetal tissue that has gained entry into the maternal circulation. Amniotic fluid embolism commonly occurs immediately after delivery or during labour. The connection of AFE in these conditions has been attributed to strong uterine contractions, excessive amniotic fluid or disruption of vessels supplying the uterus. Sudden onset cardiorespiratory arrest immediately following delivery or during labour should warn the clinician of a possible diagnosis of AFE. The diagnosis of AFE is confirmed in living subjects by the presence of amniotic fluid debris and fetal squames within the maternal circulation that are tested with blood obtained from the right side of the heart via a central line.
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