fat embolism

The term ‘fat embolism‘ was mentioned in the season finale of the popular TV series House. Because of this, people are searching for it and some are tweeting it.

“Yeah, she died from a fat embolism, riding in the ambulance after the amputation. It was unavoidable,” tweeted Saul Nutts. “I don’t even know what that is, but I gotta look it up now.”

“She mostly lived until the end of the episode. Had a fat embolism from the amputation. I can’t believe she would,” tweeted Maria.

Zenker first described fat embolism at autopsy in 1862. In 1873, von Bergmann clinically diagnosed fat embolism syndrome for the first time.

But what is fat embolism and what causes it?

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) occurs when embolic fat macroglobules pass into the small vessels of the lung and other sites, producing endothelial damage and resulting respiratory failure (ARDS-like picture), cerebral dysfunction and a petechial rash. It can be difficult to diagnose. Fat embolism is caused by fractures, Orthopaedic procedures, Massive soft tissue injury, Severe burns. Bone marrow biopsy and Nontraumatic settings.