Pulmonary artery dissection leading to cardiac tamponade as a cause of maternal death in a woman with pulmonary hypertension: a case report.

BACKGROUND

Severe pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy is known to carry a 40% risk of death for the mother. The most common cause of death in cases of pulmonary hypertension is heart failure.

CASE

We present a case of maternal death due to dissection of the pulmonary artery resulting in cardiac tamponade.

CONCLUSION

The sudden onset of severe chest pain radiating to the back should alert the clinician to the possibility of pulmonary artery dissection in pregnant patients with pulmonary hypertension. Severe chest pain may not be accompanied by changes in vital signs or oxygen saturation. Immediate delivery should be considered. However, delivery may worsen the mother's condition due to postpartum cardiovascular changes.