Aortocaval compression syndrome also known as Supine hypotensive syndrome is compression of the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava by the gravid uterus when a pregnant woman lies on her back, i.e. in the supine position. It is a frequent cause of low maternal blood pressure (hypotension), which can result in loss of consciousness[1] and in extreme circumstances fetal demise.[2][3]
Aortocaval compression syndrome | |
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Other names | Supine hypotensive syndrome |
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A watercolor drawing of a pregnant woman lying flat on her back, causing the aorta and inferior vena cava to compress and reduce circulation. | |
Specialty | Obstetrics and gynaecology |
Signs and symptoms
editAortocaval compression syndrome may cause syncope, restlessness, dizziness, headache, tinnitus, visual disturbances, numbness or paresthesia of the limbs, abdominal/chest discomfort or pain, nausea, and vomiting.[4] Some patients may be asymptomatic.[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Kiefer R, Ploppa A, Dieterich H (2003). "[Aortocaval compression syndrome]". Der Anaesthesist. 52 (11): 1073–83, quiz 1084. doi:10.1007/s00101-003-0596-6. PMID 14992095. S2CID 8424182.
- ^ Banaś T, Godula Z, Herman R (2004). "[Aortocaval compression syndrome as an explanation of sudden intrauterine death of mature twins at term. Case report]". Ginekol Pol. 75 (8): 633–7. PMID 15517787.
- ^ American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2018). Nancy Caroline's Emergency Care in the Streets (8th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Publishers. p. 2036.
- ^ Zhao, Pei-Shan (September 1, 2014). "Supine Hypotensive Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review of Literature". Translational Perioperative and Pain Medicine. Transpopmed. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ SW, Lee; KS, Khaw; WD, Ngan Kee; TY, Leung; LA, Critchley (2012). "Haemodynamic effects from aortocaval compression at different angles of lateral tilt in non-labouring term pregnant women". British Journal of Anaesthesia. 109 (6). Br J Anaesth: 950–956. doi:10.1093/bja/aes349. ISSN 1471-6771. PMID 23059960.
Further reading
edit- Chen, Shouming; Wu, Lan; Jiang, Xiaoqin (2019). "Aortocaval compression resulting in sudden loss of consciousness and severe bradycardia and hypotension during cesarean section in a patient with subvalvular aortic stenosis". BMC Anesthesiology. 19 (1): 116. doi:10.1186/s12871-019-0791-x. ISSN 1471-2253. PMC 6610927. PMID 31272377.
- AJ, Lee; R, Landau (2017). "Aortocaval Compression Syndrome: Time to Revisit Certain Dogmas". Anesthesia and Analgesia. 125 (6). Anesth Analg: 1975–1985. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000002313. ISSN 1526-7598. PMID 28759487.