Amniotic fluid embolism is also known as which of the following?

Amniotic fluid embolism is also known as which of the following?

• A. Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy
• B. Pulmonary embolism due to amniotic fragments
• C. Uterine atony
• D. Placental abruption

Answer: (A)

Amniotic fluid embolism is described as an anaphylactoid reaction to fetal or amniotic components entering the maternal circulation. The term anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy captures this sudden, life-threatening cascade—minutes of respiratory and cardiovascular collapse with potential coagulopathy—without involving a true IgE-mediated anaphylaxis. That’s why this name is the best fit for the condition. The other options refer to different obstetric problems: uterine atony causes postpartum hemorrhage from poor uterine tone, placental abruption is premature placental separation, and a true pulmonary embolism is a clot blocking the lungs (the event can resemble an embolism but is not the formal alternate name for amniotic fluid embolism).

Amniotic fluid embolism is described as an anaphylactoid reaction to fetal or amniotic components entering the maternal circulation. The term anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy captures this sudden, life-threatening cascade—minutes of respiratory and cardiovascular collapse with potential coagulopathy—without involving a true IgE-mediated anaphylaxis. That’s why this name is the best fit for the condition. The other options refer to different obstetric problems: uterine atony causes postpartum hemorrhage from poor uterine tone, placental abruption is premature placental separation, and a true pulmonary embolism is a clot blocking the lungs (the event can resemble an embolism but is not the formal alternate name for amniotic fluid embolism).