Extensive pulmonary embolism presenting as severe adult respiratory distress syndrome after surgical resection of a cornual pregnancy

A rare case of severe adult respiratory distress syndrome associated with a P O 2 of 9 mm Hg after surgical resection of a cornual pregnancy at 10 weeks' gestation was treated successfully with positive end-expiratory pressure. The underlying cause, extensive pulmonary embolism, was subsequently revealed. The patient survived without residual brain damage. The possible causes of adult respiratory distress syndrome in pregnancy are discussed.