Fatal Fat Embolism Syndrome

Fat embolism syndrome is a dire complication of long bone trauma. It is usually associated with neurological, hematological and respiratory involvement, the latter being the major cause of death. We present a case of severe fat embolism syndrome occurring 3 hours after a long bone injury, leading to permanent vegetative state and death without any respiratory signs. The diagnosis was confirmed by cytology of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Clinical presentation of the puzzling fat embolism syndrome and diagnostic tests in suspected fat embolism syndrome are reviewed.

[1]  M. Morikawa,et al.  Magnetic resonance imaging of cerebral fat embolism , 2004, Neuroradiology.

[2]  J. Rudan,et al.  Fat embolism syndrome in a patient demonstrating only neurologic symptoms. , 1998, Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie.

[3]  E. Bulger,et al.  Fat embolism syndrome. A 10-year review , 1997 .

[4]  J. Rozé,et al.  [Acute respiratory distress due to fat embolism]. , 1997, Archives de pediatrie : organe officiel de la Societe francaise de pediatrie.

[5]  E. Gullichsen,et al.  Experimental fat embolism induces urine 2,3-dinor-6-ketoprostaglandin F1alpha and 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 excretion in pigs. , 1997, Critical care medicine.

[6]  A. Rahmouni,et al.  Bronchoalveolar lavage in adult sickle cell patients with acute chest syndrome: value for diagnostic assessment of fat embolism. , 1996, American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine.

[7]  P. Denis,et al.  [Post-traumatic fat embolism. Apropos of a case]. , 1995, Journal francais d'ophtalmologie.

[8]  B. Rahn,et al.  The incidence, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of fat embolism. , 1994, Orthopaedic review.

[9]  O. Glidewell,et al.  Pulmonary microvascular fat: The significance? , 1993, Critical care medicine.

[10]  P. Soler,et al.  Bronchoalveolar lavage for rapid diagnosis of the fat embolism syndrome in trauma patients. , 1990, Annals of internal medicine.

[11]  C. R. Patterson,et al.  Fat embolism syndrome: Prospective evaluation in 92 fracture patients , 1987, Critical care medicine.

[12]  R. Masson,et al.  Pulmonary microvascular cytology. A new diagnostic application of the pulmonary artery catheter. , 1985, Chest.

[13]  R. E. Kalina,et al.  Retinal lesions following long bone fractures. , 1985, Ophthalmology.

[14]  S. Cotev,et al.  [The pathogenesis of fat embolism]. , 1975, Harefuah.

[15]  T. Witwicki,et al.  [Post-traumatic fat embolism]. , 1972, Wiadomosci lekarskie.