Fetal Intraventricular Hemorrhage Due to Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Case Report.

Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome (OAPS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by certain pregnancy complications in association with persistent antiphospholipid antibodies. These antibodies are generally known for their prothrombotic characteristics and may affect mother and fetus during the entire pregnancy. The clinical criteria for OAPS, including recurrent fetal loss, intra-uterine growth restriction and premature birth due to severe preeclampsia, all suggest uteroplacental vascular insufficiency. Although rare, thrombotic complications have been described in neonates born to mothers with OAPS, mainly ischemic stroke. We report on the first case of extensive fetal intraventricular hemorrhage related to OAPS. We share our diagnostic search and analysis for this unusual antenatal event, including cranial ultrasound findings and postmortem MRI images. We will also present a short review of the etiology and prognosis of antenatal intraventricular hemorrhage. We suggest that women with severe or early preeclampsia and/or a history of pregnancy loss should be evaluated for OAPS and carefully monitored throughout pregnancy. Further, we advise to test mothers for OAPS in the case of idiopathic fetal hemorrhage.

[Pulmonary oedema in pregnancy: myocardial infarction as a possible cause]. / Longoedeem tijdens de zwangerschap: een myocardinfarct als oorzaak.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary oedema in pregnancy may have various causes. A systematic approach to a pregnant woman with pulmonary oedema is important. Acute myocardial infarction should be considered during the differential diagnosis. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 30-year-old primigravida, who had been admitted with pre-eclampsia, complained of increasing shortness of breath at 28 weeks and 5 days gestation. She had pulmonary oedema, which was considered to be consistent with pre-eclampsia. A caesarean section was performed at 28 weeks and 6 days gestation because of increasing oxygen dependency. Following the caesarean section the patient was transferred to the ICU because of imminent respiratory failure, and a semi-acute anterior infarction was diagnosed by means of an ECG (estimated ejection fraction: 30%). The patient was discharged in a reasonable condition 8 days after the caesarean section. CONCLUSION: Differential diagnosis of pulmonary oedema during pregnancy is wide. Consultation with a cardiologist is recommended if a possible cardiac cause is suspected. Determination of troponin levels, ECG and an electrocardiogram should be the first diagnostic tools of choice in a pregnant patient.