Meconium aspiration syndrome complicated by massive intravascular thrombosis

Am J Perinatol. 1998 Jun;15(6):375-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-993960.

Abstract

Fetal aspiration of meconium in amniotic fluid during fetal distress by newborn infants can induce the meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), a form of neonatal respiratory distress. Should this event occur, admission to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and vigorous airway management and monitoring are required. We present a term gestation resulting in MAS complicated by a massive intravascular thrombosis. Despite airway management considered appropriate, the infant developed respiratory distress a few hours after birth and died 5 days later. Postmortem examination showed a diffuse alveolar damage of the lungs with alveoli filled with meconium and amniotic epithelial cells as well as disseminated thrombi in the pulmonary vascular tree, portal system, suprahepatic veins, and peripheral arterial vascular tree.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Meconium Aspiration Syndrome / complications*
  • Meconium Aspiration Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Meconium Aspiration Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Meconium Aspiration Syndrome / pathology
  • Pulmonary Embolism / complications*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnosis*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism / pathology
  • Radiography