Arterial thromboembolism in pregnancy.

Arterial occlusion resulting from primary thrombus formation in an artery or due to embolization from a site elsewhere in the circulation is uncommon in women of childbearing age. Myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral arterial occlusion are rare in pregnant or puerperal women. Although atherosclerosis is the most common cause of arterial thromboembolism in the general population, other mechanisms--for example, prosthetic heart valves and drugs which cause vasospasm--are also important in young and pregnant patients. The clinical sequelae of arterial thromboembolism include sudden death and significant long-term morbidity. The best management must be the recognition of women at risk and, where possible, risk reduction and the introduction of measures to prevent acute events.