Acute and Critical Care

Case Reports

Successful Embolectomy of a Pulmonary Saddle Embolism Post-cesarean Section Complicated by Cardiac Arrest: A Case Report: Jae Jun Lee, Jin Kim, Hyoung Soo Kim, Min Sun Kyung, Eu Sun Ro, Sung Mi Hwang, So Young Lim; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2009;24(3):164-167.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2009.24.3.164

Abstract PDF: A 41-year-old female underwent an uneventful cesarean section, which was followed by a pulmonary saddle embolism complicated by cardiac arrest. This case shows that successful embolectomy is possible, despite a potentially lethal pulmonary saddle embolism, 34 cm in length, and intra-operative cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We report our case and discuss the anesthetic considerations based on the literature.

Anesthesia for Cesarean Section in Two Pregnant Women with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: A report of two cases: Yong In Kang, Kyung Sook Cho, Su Yeon Kim, Myoung Hee Kim, Hyun Sook Lee; Korean J Crit Care Med. 1997;12(2):177-182.

Abstract PDF: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is defined as the onset of acute heart failure without demonstrable cause in the last trimester of pregnancy or within the first 6 months after delivery. Mortality from PPCM ranges from 25% to 50% and cause of death is usually chronic congestive heart failure or thromboembolic complications. We experienced 2 patients with PPCM. One was a twin pregnant woman and PPCM was developed after cesarean section. In the other case, PPCM was combined with aspiration pneumonia in the preterm labor patient. They were treated with diuretics and cardiotonic drugs and recovered to normal cardiac function within 7 to 10 days. Prognosis is related to recovery of left ventricular function, which usually occurs within 6 months postpartum. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of PPCM improve outcome.

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