Which sign is NOT associated with amniotic fluid embolism?

Which sign is NOT associated with amniotic fluid embolism?

• A. Cardiopulmonary arrest
• B. Hypertension
• C. Bleeding (disseminated intravascular coagulation)
• D. Pulmonary edema or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Answer: (B)

Amniotic fluid embolism causes a sudden, catastrophic systemic reaction that leads to rapid cardiovascular collapse and severe respiratory distress. The hallmark is abrupt hypotension or cardiopulmonary arrest, often with hypoxemia and a tendency toward disseminated intravascular coagulation, which causes bleeding. The underlying mechanism involves the introduction of fetal material into the maternal circulation, triggering inflammatory mediators and activation of coagulation — this leads to pulmonary vasoconstriction, capillary leak, and, in many cases, pulmonary edema or progression to ARDS. Hypertension is not a typical feature; the process more commonly produces shock-like hypotension rather than high blood pressure. The signs that fit this picture are the sudden cardiopulmonary collapse, DIC with bleeding, and pulmonary edema/ARDS, while hypertension does not.

Amniotic fluid embolism causes a sudden, catastrophic systemic reaction that leads to rapid cardiovascular collapse and severe respiratory distress. The hallmark is abrupt hypotension or cardiopulmonary arrest, often with hypoxemia and a tendency toward disseminated intravascular coagulation, which causes bleeding. The underlying mechanism involves the introduction of fetal material into the maternal circulation, triggering inflammatory mediators and activation of coagulation — this leads to pulmonary vasoconstriction, capillary leak, and, in many cases, pulmonary edema or progression to ARDS. Hypertension is not a typical feature; the process more commonly produces shock-like hypotension rather than high blood pressure. The signs that fit this picture are the sudden cardiopulmonary collapse, DIC with bleeding, and pulmonary edema/ARDS, while hypertension does not.