Cardiovascular Collapse Under Spinal Anesthesia

Abstract

A 20 years old ASA I full term primigravida in labor, underwent an emergency lower segment cesarean section under spinal anesthesia, the indication being fetal distress. Immediately following delivery of fetus, she complained of severe breathlessness and suffered a cardiovascular collapse. A presumptive diagnosis of high spinal anesthesia was made and she was managed accordingly. Thirty minutes later she developed angioedema which increased in severity over the next two hours and a diagnosis of anaphylactic reaction was made. The patient responded to intravenous adrenaline and recovered over next 24 hours. The aim of this case report is to discuss cardiovascular collapse and its etiological factors, such as anaphylaxis, amniotic fluid embolism and high spinal anesthesia during cesarean section.