Gestational thrombo-embolic disorders.

Even though it appears that pulmonary embolism might be an infrequent cause of maternal mortality in our environment it could be rapidly fatal when it occurs. As many as 10% of asymptomatic females with deep venous thrombosis can develop pulmonary embolism. Pregnancy being a hypercoagulable state could predispose to the disorder in the presence of other factors. Making a categorical diagnosis could however be problematic especially in Sub-Saharan Africa where necessary facilities might not be available. This present review was undertaken to provide an update in diagnosis and management of the disorder in pregnancy with the aim of guiding clinical decision-making with respect to diagnosis, management modalities, evaluation and preventive measures.