A fatal case of systemic fat embolism resulting from gluteal injections of vitamin e for cosmetic enhancement. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mendoza-Morales, R.C.; Camberos-Nava, E.V.; Luna-Rosas, A.; Garcés-Ramírez, L.; De la Cruz, F.; García-Dolores, F.
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 259(2016)
• Page Start: e1
• Page End: e4
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: Pulmonary embolism -- Vitamin E injections -- Tocopherol -- Pulmonary edema -- Pulmonary infarction -- Fat embolism syndrome -- Autopsy; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Chimie légale -- Périodiques; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; Chemistry, Forensic; Medical jurisprudence; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.11.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-0738

Abstract

Highlights: We report the first case of a fat embolism syndrome (FES) caused by injections of vitamin E (tocopherol). This case of a FES caused by injections of vitamin E was confirmed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The injections of vitamin E were performed illegally. The incidence of FES due to lipoinjections has been rising in Mexico, with 60% having lethal consequences. Abstract: Recently in Mexico the number of cosmetic surgeries has increased. These procedures are often carried out by unqualified people using obsolete and contraindicated products such as injectable oil, which cause uncorrectable disfigurement or more serious complications, even death, after reaching the systemic circulation. We report the case of a fat embolism syndrome (FES) caused by injections of vitamin E (tocopherol) in order to increase the volume of the buttocks. This case of a FES caused by injections of vitamin E was confirmed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.