Flash Pulmonary Edema and Respiratory Failure in a Preeclamptic Patient Requiring Intrapartum Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Abstract

Flash pulmonary edema can affect up to 10% of women with preeclampsia. Although there is growing literature describing the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in pregnant patients, there is very little research describing its use in the setting of preeclampsia. In this case report, an encouraging story of a woman with this complication who was successfully managed is described. In addition, the impact of normal physiologic changes of pregnancy on ECMO management is discussed.