Fat embolism (blood clot from fat)

Description Pieces of fat from ...

Description

Pieces of fat from the bone marrow enter the blood vessels of the body. This may block the flow of blood through the blood vessel or travel through the heart and lodge in the lungs. This disorder can occur during or after surgery or after a traumatic injury. A common scenario is when fat enters a vein after a fracture to a large bone, such as the femur or pelvis, or after surgery on these bones. Fat emboli are usually widespread and cause symptoms 1-3 days after the injury or event. This disease is serious with 10%-20% of patients not surviving the event.

Symptoms

Shortness of breath, agitation, neurologic abnormalities, fever, rash.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Other tests to confirm the diagnosis and to establish the severity of the condition may be recommended. For example, blood tests that measure the oxygen levels, blood counts, chest x-ray, or a lung scan may be recommended.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, D-Dimer, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray

Other Specific Tests: Clotting studies, blood gas

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pulmonology, Pediatric Pulmonology

Treatment

Therapy depends on the extent of the disease. Treatment includes: stabilization of fractures, oxygen, supportive care, and admission to a hospital ICU. In some cases, an inferior vena cava filter may be inserted to reduce the amount of fat that can travel from the legs to the heart and lungs. Corticosteroids may be administered for life-threatening disease but their effectiveness is uncertain.