ABSTRACT

Pulmonary embolism is a life threatening condition. Pregnancy is among the risk factors of pulmonary embolism. There is reluctance about using thrombolytics s during pregnancy due to potential teratogenic effects. Valproic acid is one of the most commonly used antiepileptic agents, hovewer, its use during pregnancy is controversial because of the teratogenic potential. Among adverse effects of valproic acid use, elevated liver enzymes, thrombocytopenia have been reported. Moreover, product literature warns that pregnant women using valproic acid should be monitored for low fibrinogen and platelets and the potential for bleeding. The present case report describes successful treatment of a massive pulmonary embolism with tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), caused by a mobile right atrial thrombus in a 30-year-old first trimester pregnant women using valproic acid. This has not been reported previously. During follow-ups, she was free of any signs or symptoms and gave birth to a baby by spontaneous vaginal delivery. The baby was completely healthy without any problem or deformity.

Keywords: Pulmonary embolism, pregnant, valproic acid, right atrium, thrombolytic