Trophoblastic microemboli as a marker for preeclampsia-eclampsia in sudden unexpected maternal death: a case report and review of the literature

Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2000 Dec;21(4):354-8. doi: 10.1097/00000433-200012000-00011.

Abstract

The authors report the case of a 25-year-old white woman at 7 months' gestation who died suddenly and unexpectedly at home. Anatomic findings at autopsy included a tongue contusion, glomerulonephritis, changes indicative of systemic hypertension, and trophoblastic microemboli in the lungs. Review of the prenatal care record disclosed 3+ proteinuria 2 days before death. The features of the postmortem examination were consistent with clinically undiagnosed preeclampsia-eclampsia and glomerulonephritis. The authors discuss the rarity of fatal preeclampsia-eclampsia, the contribution of concomitant glomerulonephritis, and the significance of trophoblastic microemboli in the lungs.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers
  • Death, Sudden / etiology*
  • Death, Sudden / pathology
  • Eclampsia / complications
  • Eclampsia / diagnosis*
  • Embolism / complications*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Glomerulonephritis / complications
  • Humans
  • Kidney Glomerulus / ultrastructure
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Pre-Eclampsia / complications
  • Pre-Eclampsia / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Third
  • Proteinuria / complications
  • Trophoblasts

Substances

  • Biomarkers