Background—The fat embolism syndrome is clinically characterized by dyspnea, skin petechiae, and neurological dysfunction. It is associated mainly with long bone fracture and bone marrow fat passage to the systemic circulation. An intracardiac right-to-left shunt (RLS) could allow larger fat particles to reach the systemic circulation. Transcranial Doppler can be a useful tool to detect both RL...

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a clinical manifestation that consists of multiple organ dysfunction due to fat emboli. FES occurs as a complication after trauma or procedures such as surgery. The diagnostic criteria of FES have not yet been established, so clinical criteria are used for its diagnosis. The clinical course of acute fulminant FES can be rapid. Liposuction surgery, in which adipocy...

BACKGROUND The fat embolism syndrome is clinically characterized by dyspnea, skin petechiae, and neurological dysfunction. It is associated mainly with long bone fracture and bone marrow fat passage to the systemic circulation. An intracardiac right-to-left shunt (RLS) could allow larger fat particles to reach the systemic circulation. Transcranial Doppler can be a useful tool to detect both RL...

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and the effectiveness of treatment of fat embolism in patients with hip and long bone fractures (femur and tibia) in Albania. METHODS 229 patients (68% men) with combined hip and long bone fractures (femur and tibia) hospitalized at the Orthopedics-Traumatology Services of the University Center "Mother Teresa" during 2004-2006 were i...

A 19-year-old woman who sustained multiple trauma but no head injury developed fulminant fat embolism syndrome (FES). Her neurological deterioration was associated with cerebral oedema and the concomitant Purtscher's type retinopathy. We suggest that the pathogenesis of the retinopathy and of the cerebral oedema are the same and that Purtscher's retinopathy and retinopathy of the FES are indist...

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a rare complication of sickle-cell disease (SCD) associated with extremely high mortality rates. It affects predominantly non-SS patients and those with previously mild disease. Rapid institution of exchange transfusion with an aim to reduce HbS to very low levels as soon as FES is suspected can be life-saving.

The clinical course and radiographs of 30 patients with fat embolism syndrome were reviewed. In all cases the classic triad of neurologic dysfunction, respiratory insufficiency, and petechiae were present. Three responses to embolized fat were noted. The hyperacute response was seen in two patients with paradoxical embolization of fat to the systemic circulation. A "classic response" was noted ...