title: Two variants of fat embolism syndrome evolving in a young patient with multiple fractures.
abstract: Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a continuum of fat emboli. Variants of FES: acute fulminant form and classic FES are postulated to represent two different pathomechanisms. Acute fulminant FES occurs during the first 24 h. It is attributed to massive mechanical blockage pulmonary vasculature by the fat emboli. The classic FES typically has a latency period of 24-36 h manifestation of respiratory failure and other signs of fat embolism. Progression of asymptomatic fat embolism with FES frequently represents inadequate treatment of hypovolaemic shock. We present a rare case of two variants of FES evolving in a patient with multiple fractures to emphasis the importance of adequate and appropriate treatment of shock in preventing the development of FES. Since supportive therapy which is a ventilatory support remains as the treatment of FES, it is appropriate to treat FES in the intensive care unit setting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ezeds007@yahoo.com.my
authors.forename: Mohd Yazid
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Bajuri
authors.forename: Rudy Reza
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Johan
authors.forename: Hassan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shukur
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media; D004620:Embolism, Fat / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009104:Multiple Trauma; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013577:Syndrome; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media