Fat embolism is the blockage of blood vessels by droplets of fat that occurs, most of the time, after long bone fractures, such as leg, thigh or hip bones, but can also appear in the postoperative surgery or orthopedic procedures. . aesthetic, such as liposuction, for example.
Fat droplets can spread through the body’s veins and arteries, are carried through the bloodstream and can reach various parts and organs of the body. Embolism usually causes serious damage only when it occurs in large amounts, and when this occurs, the most affected organs are:
- However.
- Other organs such as the kidneys.
- Retina.
- Spleen or liver.
- For example.
- May also be affected and have compromised function.
Fat embolism can be caused by situations such as
A fat embolism can also occur without a clear reason, spontaneously, which is rare. Some of those most at risk suffer from widespread infections, people with sickle cell attacks, pancreatitis, diabetes, fatty liver disease, prolonged use of corticosteroids or burns
As a rule, fat embolism affects small vessels in circulation, so it does not always cause symptoms, except when massive embolism occurs, that is, when it reaches many blood vessels to the point of compromising the circulation and functioning of organs. Symptoms that may occur include shortness of breath, headache, changes in vision or speech, weakness, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and coma, as well as skin lesions.
Diagnosis of embolism is done through clinical evaluation by your doctor, and some tests can help identify areas of organic damage due to lack of blood flow, such as MRI.
Fat embolism can be called fat embolism syndrome when severe and simultaneously affects the lungs, brain, blood clotting and skin, causing a serious illness that includes breathing difficulties, brain changes and reddish skin lesions, indicating a tendency to inflammation and bleeding.
Only about 1% of cases of fat embolism develop this syndrome, which is so severe because, in addition to blocking vessels by fat droplets, it also triggers chemical reactions in circulation that produce an intense inflammatory reaction in the body.
While there is no specific treatment to cure fat embolism, there are measures your doctor uses to control symptoms and facilitate healing; in some cases, this monitoring can be performed in an intensive care environment until the clinical situation improves and stabilizes.
Some options your doctor uses include using an oxygen catheter or mask, as well as continuous monitoring of vital signs; If necessary, hydration may be performed in the vein with serum, as well as medications to regulate blood pressure.
In addition, some doctors may try to use corticosteroids to try to decrease the inflammatory response of the disease.