Pulmonary embolism is the obstruction of the pulmonary artery or its branches, commonly by thrombus or fat. We report an unusual case of double pathology - both pulmonary thromboembolism and fat embolism syndrome in a patient with bilateral femur and bilateral tibia fractures. This highlights the importance of a high index of suspicion of these conditions while managing patients with multiple long bone fractures. Morbidity and mortality can be significantly reduced with prompt and appropriate prevention strategies.
Thromboembolism ; Pulmonary Embolism ; Embolism, Fat

No abstract available.
Diagnosis* ; Embolism, Fat* ; Humans

The fat embolism is often major camplication of major trauma and demands the attention of physicians treating patients with bony injury. We have experienced 5 cases of fat embolism. In all cases there was a latent period between injury and onset of symptoms. This varied from 16 hours to 48 hours. There was marked variation in clinical presentation and laboratory finidngs. One case was died of complication of fat embolism.
Embolism, Fat ; Humans

No abstract available.
Embolism, Fat* ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy*

BACKGROUND: A few studies have found that abnormal findings on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are useful for diagnosing cerebral fat embolism in the acute stage. CASE REPORT: We applied serial MRI to a case of cerebral fat embolism with cognitive impairment lasting for 2 months. Although marked resolution of the previous abnormal findings was demonstrated, T2*-weighted gradient-echo MRI revealed multiple tiny lesions. CONCLUSIONS:We suggest that T2*-weighted gradient-echo MRI is useful in defining the clinical severity of patients with cerebral fat embolism.
Embolism ; Embolism, Fat ; Humans ; Intracranial Embolism ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging

No abstract available.
Embolism, Fat* ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy*

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 adipocytes are mechanically disrupted, is one cause of FES. As the number of liposuction surgeries increases, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of FES. This was the first report of a case of acute fulminant FES with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome after liposuction surgery, in Korea.
Adipocytes ; Diagnosis ; Embolism, Fat* ; Korea ; Lipectomy* ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult

We report thin-section CT findings of pulmonary fat embolism which was confirmed by clinical features and microscopic examination of cells obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage. Initial thin-section CT showed extensive air space consolidation and multiple ill-defined nodular densities in both lungs. Follow-up CT revealed ground-glass appearance and faint nodules in both lungs. Perfusion scan showed multiple small perfusion defects in the peripheral portion of both lungs.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage ; Embolism, Fat* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Lung ; Perfusion

PURPOSE: Many articles have proposed that osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is caused by fat embolism or intravascular coagulation linked to hyperlipidemia. To determine whether hyperlipidemia is an associated factor for ONFH, serum lipid levels were measured. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nighty-eight patients presenting with ONFH and 110 controls were investigated. We compared the average value of serum lipid levels and the incidence of hyperlipidemia of the two groups. RESULTS: ONFH group showed generalized increase in lipid level and statistically significant difference in the average value of total cholesterol (P=0.0001), HDL-cholesterol (P=0.0261) and phospholipid (P=0.0465) compared with the control. The incidence of hyperlipidemia of the two groups showed statistically significant difference in HDL-cholesterol (P=0.019) and triglyceride (P=0.024). CONCLUSION: Hyperlipidemia seems to be associated with pathogenesis of ONFH. We speculated that hyperlipidemia might be a contributing factor of ONFH. Hyperlipidemia may play a role as a triggering factor in the pathogenetic process that results in osteonecrosis. However, it can not be ruled out that secondary hyperlipidemia might be a finding following ONFH.
Cholesterol ; Embolism, Fat ; Head* ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; Incidence ; Osteonecrosis* ; Triglycerides

Cerebral fat embolism (CFE) is a rare, albeit potentially lethal complication of long-bone fractures. All trauma patients who are initially lucid and subsequently experience mental status deterioration should undergo immediate evaluation of possible CFE. In the present case, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was the most sensitive technique for the diagnosis of CFE, particularly the use of diffusion-weighted images (DWI). The authors present this case to report a pathophysiology-based interpretation of the MR characteristics and treatment of CFE.
Embolism ; Embolism, Fat ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Magnetics ; Magnets