Trauma Patient with Fat Embolism Detected on Computed Tomography

Authors

  • Isabel Sousa Serviço de Imagiologia Geral. Hospital de Santa Maria. Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte. Lisboa. Portugal.
  • João Janeiro Serviço de Imagiologia Geral. Hospital de Santa Maria. Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte. Lisboa. Portugal.
  • Paula Campos Serviço de Imagiologia Geral. Hospital de Santa Maria. Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte. Lisboa. Portugal.
  • Isabel Távora Serviço de Imagiologia Geral. Hospital de Santa Maria. Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte. Lisboa. Portugal.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.7355

Keywords:

Embolism, Fat/diagnostic imaging, Fractures, Bone, Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Abstract

Fat embolism is frequent following fractures of long bones, however the development of the clinical syndrome of fat embolism (characterized by progressive respiratory distress, mental status depression and petechial rash) is rare, but relevant because of its potential severity. We report a case of a trauma patient with multiple fractures of the right lower limb in whom an emergency computed tomography scan showed fat emboli within the lumen of the homolateral common femoral vein. The imaging detection of macroscopic fat emboli should alert the clinician to the potential for subsequent fat embolism syndrome.

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Published

2017-01-31

How to Cite

1.
Sousa I, Janeiro J, Campos P, Távora I. Trauma Patient with Fat Embolism Detected on Computed Tomography. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 2017 Jan. 31 [cited 2024 Mar. 28];30(1):73-6. Available from: https://actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/7355

Issue

Section

Case Report