Pulmonary Thromboembolism in Pregnancy A Case Linked to Latent Lupus

Introduction

Main Content

This case involved a 20-year-old woman, 21 weeks into her first pregnancy, who presented with sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, and hemodynamic instability. Despite the absence of traditional risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE), she was diagnosed with acute massive pulmonary embolism. Immediate intervention using streptokinase led to remarkable recovery for both mother and fetus.

Key Findings

  • Diagnosis Challenges: Diagnosing PE during pregnancy remains difficult due to reluctance to expose the fetus to ionizing radiation.
  • Treatment Success: Thrombolysis with streptokinase was chosen considering clinical deterioration, leading to stabilization without maternal or fetal bleeding complications.
  • Latent Lupus Connection: Autoimmune tests revealed a high ANA titer, suggesting “latent lupus,” though full-blown systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) criteria were not met.

Broader Medical Insights

Additionally, understanding the impact of autoimmune disorders like SLE in pregnancy is essential, as these can increase VTE risk dramatically.

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