Fat embolism

A fat embolism is a type of embolism that is often (but not always) caused by physical trauma.

Causes

Fat emboli can occur whenever there is a chance for fat to enter the circulatory system, such as during surgery or accidental trauma. A common scenario is fatty marrow entering the circulation after a fracture to a large long bone such as the femur or pelvis, or after surgery on such a bone.

It can also occur during childbirth.

Presentation

Unlike emboli that arise from thrombi (blood clots), fat emboli are small and multiple, and so have widespread effects.

Symptoms usually occur 1-3 days after the insult, and are predominantly; pulmonary (shortness of breath), neurological (agitation, delerium or coma) and haematological (anaemia, low platelets). The mortality rate of fat embolism is approximately 10%.