Fatal fat embolism in isolated vertebral compression fracture.
Fat embolism after long bone and pelvic fractures as well as orthopedic interventions is a well-documented phenomenon, but it is highly unusual after isolated vertebral fractures. We report a case of fatal fat embolism in a 78-year-old man after an isolated vertebral compression fracture with no related orthopedic intervention. A high index of suspicion is necessary for early diagnosis and successfully treating this unusual complication.
Lastra
Ricardo R
RR
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Pennsylvania Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, 800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. Ricardo.lastra@uphs.upenn.edu
Saldanha
Vilas
V
Balasubramanian
Manjula
M
Handal
John
J
D000368:Aged; D004620:Embolism, Fat / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D050815:Fractures, Compression / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology*