An unusual case of maternal-fetal death due to vaginal insufflation of cocaine

K. A. Collins, G. J. Davis, P. E. Lantz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Air embolism secondary to vaginal insufflation has been documented as a cause of death in pregnant women. Under pressure, the air enters the uterus, causing air emboli within the uterine venous drainage and subsequently the systemic circulation. Death is usually sudden as the air obstructs the normal flow of circulation. Acute cocaine toxicity is also a well-known cause of sudden death. Cocaine use is prevalent in our society, even among pregnant women. We report the sudden death of a 31-year-old gravid female and 39-week gestational age male fetus. The cause of death was air embolism secondary to oral-vaginal insufflation of cocaine smoke.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)335-339
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
Volume15
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1994

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

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