The inconsistencies with AFE as an embolic event have been
previously described.32 In brief, acute respiratory distress syndrome,
a common sequalae of AFE, is not typically seen with pulmonary
embolism, and there are no characteristic findings on radiologic studies.
Animal models using amniotic fluid emboli have not consistently
reproduced the disease. The coagulopathy and neurological
aspects of AFE cannot be explained by a physical circulatory
obstruction, and complement activation is not seen in pulmonary
embolism.