In specially, ECMO is used in acute massive pulmonary embolism. In a systemic review, ECMO was used in the majority of cases, as it allows rapid correction of abnormal physiology, preventing severe organ failure by providing cardiorespiratory support until clot dissolution with systemic heparinization.[2] ECMO for selected patients with massive PE is associated with good outcomes. ECMO use in the context of massive pulmonary embolism (PE) should be considered, balancing purported benefits and likelihood of recovery without significant neurological sequelae and potential risks.[2]

In this topic of The Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine, Lee et al.[3] reported a case titled “Use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Fulminant Course of Amniotic Fluid Embolism Syndrome Immediately after Cesarean Delivery.”

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare but potentially fatal complication that occurs acutely during pregnancy or within 12 h of delivery. AFE is highly suspected in the pregnant or postpartum patient who presents with acute hemorrhage with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), altered mental status, hypotension, or respiratory distress. Differential diagnoses such as pulmonary embolism, sepsis, anaphylaxis, and myocardial infarction must be excluded.[4]

The authors showed a case of a 36-year-old woman with clinical AFE who developed severe hypoxemia and circulatory collapse and was treated successfully with the application of VA ECMO but who suffered from impaired cognitive function. They suggested that urgent ECMO should be considered when amniotic fluid embolism syndrome is suspected in patients presenting acute cardiopulmonary collapse, such as in this case.

Recently, another similar case reported that VV ECMO was applied because of sudden acute respiratory failure combined with DIC, but not combined with circulatory collapse or altered mental status.[5] The patient in that report demonstrated no impaired cognitive function.

Taken together, these findings indicate that ECMO is a lifesaving and effective therapeutic consideration for management of patients with AFE and should be applied as early as possible.