Key result
Supportive measures yield good neurologic recovery after embolic stroke from amniotic fluid embolism via PFO.
Case Report (n=1)
This case highlights that embolic stroke should be suspected in patients with intrapartum seizures and cardiopulmonary compromise, especially when a patent foramen ovale is present.
May prompt PFO screening in AFE-associated stroke; leaves open paradoxical embolism mechanisms and need for prospective studies.
Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare but devastating complication during pregnancy. We present an instance of an embolic stroke following an AFE in labor with a concurrent patent foramen ovale (PFO). The patient was a 34‐year‐old G4P2 who had an acute seizure event intrapartum. She was taken for an emergent cesarean delivery during which she was noted to have cardiopulmonary compromise. A cesarean hysterectomy was performed due to ongoing DIC and hemorrhage. Postoperatively, she was found to have evidence of thrombotic emboli as well as a PFO. She had a good neurologic recovery with supportive measures even prior to discharge from the hospital and has continued to do well. When more common etiologies of intrapartum seizures have been excluded, providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for embolic stroke.
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Khan et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Embolic stroke following amniotic fluid embolism with patent foramen ovale (n=1). Amniotic fluid embolism in the setting of patent foramen ovale was evaluated on Clinical outcome and neurologic recovery. A 34-year-old woman experienced an embolic stroke following an amniotic fluid embolism with a patent foramen ovale, achieving good neurologic recovery with supportive measures.
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