title: Fat embolism.
abstract: Fat embolism refers to the presence of fat droplets within the peripheral and lung microcirculation with or without clinical sequelae. The pathologic consequences of fat embolism are well recognized. Fat embolism is most often associated with trauma and orthopedic injuries. Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a serious manifestation of fat embolism that involves a cascade of clinical signs such as petechial rash, deteriorating mental status, and progressive respiratory insufficiency, usually occurring within 24 hours of injury. This article reviews the definition, epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of FES.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8051, USA. shamsuddin.akhtar@yale.edu
authors.forename: Shamsuddin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Akhtar
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D004620:Embolism, Fat / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D011379:Prognosis; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D012865:Skiing / Q000293:injuries; D009626:Terminology as Topic