Abstract
We report a case of fetal death at 30 weeks' gestation followed by the unexpected death of the mother 28 1/2 hours later. At postmortem examination, extensive small-vessel thrombi were found in the maternal organs, including the uterus, kidney, and heart. In retrospect the mother had evidence of chronic pericarditis and myocarditis. Laboratory tests of antemortem serum demonstrated elevated titers of anti-double-stranded DNA and of anticardiolipin antibodies.
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Antibodies*
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Cardiolipins / immunology*
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DNA / immunology
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Female
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Fetal Death / etiology
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Fetal Death / immunology
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Fetal Death / pathology
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Humans
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Kidney / pathology
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Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
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Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology
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Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / pathology
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Myocardium / pathology
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Myometrium / pathology
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Pericardium / pathology
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Pregnancy
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Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / etiology*
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Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / immunology
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Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / pathology
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Thrombosis / etiology*
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Thrombosis / immunology
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Thrombosis / pathology
Substances
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Antibodies
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Cardiolipins
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DNA