Fat embolism: A report of three cases

Abstract. Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a rare complication which usually follows longbone fracture. Clinical manifestations present immediately or 24 to 72 hoursafter injury. Symptoms are dyspnea, tachypnea, tachycardia, fever, mentalstatus changes and petechial rashes. We reported three cases of FES. The first case had admitted to the pulmonologydepartment with confusion and respiratory distress within 24 hours after tibiafracture. He had petechial rashes on the axillar area and subconjunctivalhemorrhages. He was diagnosed as FES andtreated. The second case who had right femur fracture had stupor after 48hours. He had axillary petechial rashes and respiratory distress. He wasdiagnosed as FES and treated. The third casehad admitted to the pulmonology department with the complaints of axillarypetechial rashes, subconjunctival hemorrhages after a pelvic fracture. Both firstand second patients who had respiratory failure intubated. The third patientdied despite treatment. The signs of this syndrome must be carefully examinedand considered in the diagnosis of the patients which attend the emergencyservice with confusion and petechial rashes after long-bone fractures.Key words: Fat embolism, diagnosis, therapy