A maternal death due to thrombotic disease associated with anticardiolipin antibody
Bendon, R.W.; Wilson, J.; Getahun, B.; van der Bel-Kahn, J.
Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 111(4): 370-372
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9985 PMID: 3827544 Document Number: 292415
We report a case of fetal death at 30 weeks' gestation followed by the unexpected death of the mother 28 1/2 hours later. At postmortem examination, extensive small-vessel thrombi were found in the maternal organs, including the uterus, kidney, and heart. In retrospect the mother had evidence of chronic pericarditis and myocarditis. Laboratory tests of antemortem serum demonstrated elevated titers of anti-double-stranded DNA and of anticardiolipin antibodies.