Maternal Death following Induction of Labour: A Case Report with Uncommon Findings of Amniotic Fluid Embolism

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare but potentially catastrophic obstetric emergency characterized by a combination of signs and symptoms that reflect sudden cardiorespiratory collapse and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The diagnosis of AFE has traditionally been made at autopsy when the amniotic debris is found in the maternal pulmonary vasculature. A 28 years old term mother was admitted to the hospital for confinement. One hour after the induction of labour she complained of difficulty in breathing and excessive sweating and in spite of the intensive resuscitation measures she was pronounced dead. The autopsy examination was unremarkable except for the diffuse extensive retroperitoneal haemorrhage. The histology sections from lungs show amniotic fluid components; mainly cuticulated epithelium, foetal squamous cells and keratinized epithelial cells in small arteries and capillaries. Similar findings were observed in the histology sections obtained from the liver, kidney, brain, myometrium, and myocardium. The value of histopathological confirmation using special stains is emphasized in this case report.