The pathogenesis of fat embolism.
Fat embolism is a common autopsy finding in patients with or without a history of trauma. There are two basic mechanisms causing fat to embolize. Depot-derived fat embolism arises by disruption of depot fat, usually as a result of trauma, allowing direct entry into the bloodstream. Plasma-derived fat embolism is caused by agglutination of endogenous or infused exogenous fat such as Intralipid, with consequent embolism. Chylomicrons and Intralipid liposomes are known to undergo calcium-dependent agglutination by C-reactive protein (CRP), and this may play a role in vivo in this type of fat embolism.
Hulman
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Department of Histopathology, King's Mill Centre for Health Care Services (NHS Trust), Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts, U.K.
D001853:Bone Marrow; D004620:Embolism, Fat / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D004655:Emulsions; D005217:Fat Emulsions, Intravenous / Q000009:adverse effects; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D010743:Phospholipids; D013024:Soybean Oil; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications
D004655:Emulsions; D005217:Fat Emulsions, Intravenous; D008055:Lipids; D010743:Phospholipids; C545823:soybean oil, phospholipid emulsion; D013024:Soybean Oil