Abstract
Fat embolism (FE) is a classically taught complication of long bone fractures, with the potential to cause high morbidity and mortality; however, it is rarely apparent on emergency department (ED) presentation or imaging. If recognized by the ED clinician, development of symptoms of FE may be avoided by early surgical fixation and potentially by corticosteroid administration.
Highlights
Fat embolism (FE) is a classically taught complication of long bone fractures, with the potential to cause high morbidity and mortality; it is rarely apparent on emergency department (ED) presentation or imaging
FE is a rare syndrome in which fat globules migrate into vasculature, most commonly from traumatized adipose tissue or marrow-containing bone
FE can complicate a wide variety of conditions, most commonly long bone or pelvic fractures
Summary
Adding Insult to Injury: Asymptomatic Fat Embolism Identified on Computed Tomography. Darnall Army Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Fort Hood, Texas. Fat embolism (FE) is a classically taught complication of long bone fractures, with the potential to cause high morbidity and mortality; it is rarely apparent on emergency department (ED) presentation or imaging. CASE PRESENTATION The patient was an adult male involved in a high-speed motor vehicle collision into a tree, with prolonged extrication due to vehicle deformity. He had obvious left femur and left wrist deformities. A radiograph of the left hip revealed a femur fracture (Image 1). Imaging identified a fat embolism (FE) in the left common femoral vein (Images 2 and 3)
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