Pulmonary Fat Embolism—A Prospective Study within the Forensic Autopsy Collective of the Republic of Iceland. (26th October 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Voisard, Matthias X.; Schweitzer, Wolf; Jackowski, Christian
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic sciences. Volume 58:(2013)Supplement 1
• Page Start: S105
• Page End: S111
• Publication Date: 2012-10-26
• Subjects: forensic science -- forensic pathology -- pulmonary fat embolism -- twin‐edged knife -- cardiopulmonary resuscitation -- trauma -- putrefaction; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; 363.2505
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1198

Abstract

Abstract: In the last century, studies established the origin of pulmonary fat embolism (PFE) and identified mechanical trauma as main source for PFE. This prospective study focused on determining a possible influence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), in the context of an aging population, on the occurrence of PFE. Lung tissue samples from 256 bodies were examined using the twin‐edged knife technique without preliminary fixation but after staining with Sudan III. PFE grading was determined according to Falzi and performed at a 10× magnification. For statistical analysis, bodies were grouped by age, gender, and putrefaction and categorized following whether they had experienced trauma, CPR, the combination of both, or no mechanical impact. There was a significant correlation of trauma, CPR, and the combination of both to PFE but no noticeable influence of gender or putrefaction. An age over 70 years promotes a PFE due to resuscitation.