Acute onset shortness of breath in labour: haemothorax secondary to pulmonary arteriovenous malformation

Abstract

We report the case of a 31-year-old female presenting with haemothorax secondary to rupture of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation following induction of labour. This caused fetal compromise that necessitated immediate delivery. Emergency embolisation was performed after inter-hospital transfer to a regional centre with interventional radiology facilities. The postoperative course was complicated by large volume pulmonary emboli and persistent infection which required video assisted thorascopic surgery.