A case of fat embolism syndrome accompanying diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. Issue 3 (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Jae Ha; Park, Jin Han; Kim, Yong Kyun; Kim, Ji Wan; Kim, Young Chang; Kim, Hyun-kuk; Jang, Hang Jea
• Is Part Of: Hong Kong journal of emergency medicine. Volume 25:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 160
• Page End: 162
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Fat embolism -- diffuse alveolar hemorrhage -- cerebral infarction; Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; 616.02505
• DOI: 10.1177/1024907917745664
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2309-5407

Abstract

Fat embolism syndrome is a life-threatening condition that can be developed after orthopedic trauma and surgery. Fat embolisms are caused by lipid droplets in the systemic circulation that induce mechanical or biochemical injury. The diagnosis is made clinically and treatment options are limited to supportive measures. Clinical symptoms including respiratory changes, neurological abnormalities, and petechial rashes generally present 12–72 h after the initial injury. However, respiratory failure accompanying diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in fat embolism syndrome is a very rare clinical presentation. This report describes a 44-year-old male patient suffering from fat embolism syndrome with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage caused by traumatic long bone fracture, in which mechanical ventilation was required to provide respiratory support.