Cardiac and pulmonary fat embolectomy for suspected fat embolus

Imaging and histological findings of fat embolism in the vena cava

We describe an unusual case of a post-traumatic fat embolism in the vena cava and left femoral vein identified on CT before the onset of fat embolism syndrome. The patient was successfully treated by insertion of a vena cava filter and venous thrombectomy. This is the first occurrence of early identification of a large fat embolus allowing its extraction before occurrence of severe respiratory failure.

Fat embolism--a review

The subject of fat embolism is of recurring interest to those managing trauma. This article covers the topic of fat embolism in general, and presents a case of fulminant fat embolism syndrome which highlights the importance of clinical expertise, and whatever technological aids are available to diagnose and appropriately treat this relatively rare, but highly significant form of the syndrome. Fulminant fat embolism syndrome has a very high mortality and should be watched for in patients who have experienced major trauma.