A fatal case of amniotic fluid embolism with elevation of serum mast cell tryptase.

Abstract

A case of a 40-year-old female who died of amniotic fluid embolism is presented. This case showed typical histological findings of this syndrome. Postmortem serum of this case showed an elevated tryptase level (67.2ng/ml, normal levels <10ng/ml). Tryptase is a neutral protease of mast cells, and an important indicator of mast cell activation and degranulation. Thus, mast cell activation, a central feature of anaphylaxis, may have been involved in the pathogenetic mechanism of this case.

• Authors: Hajime Nishio, Kiyoshi Matsui, Tokiko Miyazaki, Akiyoshi Tamura, Misa Iwata, Koichi Suzuki
• Journal: Forensic science international (Forensic Sci Int) Vol. 126 Issue 1 Pg. 53-6 (Mar 28 2002) ISSN: 0379-0738 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 11955833 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Inflammation Mediators
• Serine Endopeptidases
• Tryptases

Topics

• Adult
• Autopsy
• Cause of Death
• Death, Sudden (etiology)
• Embolism, Amniotic Fluid (complications, pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Inflammation Mediators (blood)
• Mast Cells
• Pregnancy
• Serine Endopeptidases (blood)
• Tryptases