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Hypoxemia may suggest fat embolization causing subclinical FES. Almost all patients monitored with
continuous pulse oximetry following a long-bone fracture will have episodes of hypoxemia.[7]
Further embolization may occur during operative fixation. Intraoperative transesophageal
echocardiogram studies have detected fat embolization in 41% of patients during the fixation of
long-bone fractures.[8]
While almost all patients will have fat globules detected in the blood or develop transient hypoxia, the
incidence of FES is much lower. In his initial study defining the clinical criteria for FES, Gurd reported
the incidence of FES as 19% in a group of trauma patients.[9] As early operative fixation of long-bone
fractures has become standard care, modern studies report an incidence of FES between 0.9% and
11%.[10–12]
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Fat particles enter the circulation and cause damage to capillary beds. While the pulmonary system is
most frequently affected, fat embolism can occur in the microcirculation of the brain, skin, eyes, and
heart can be involved.
The two leading theories for the formation of fat embolism are the mechanical theory and biochemical
theory. The mechanical theory proposes that obstruction of the systemic vasculature by fat embolism
occurs from the direct release of bone marrow into the venous system following trauma. An elevated
intramedullary pressure following trauma leads to the release of fat through open venous sinusoids. The
embolized fat obstructs capillary beds. While this accounts for embolisms within the pulmonary
capillaries, the theory does not explain embolisms within the systemic capillaries beds. Patients have
been shown to have systemic fat embolization without a patent foramen ovale.[13]
The biochemical theory provides an alternate explanation for fat embolization. This theory proposes that
the inflammatory response to trauma causes the release of free fatty acids from the bone marrow into the
venous system. The elevated free fatty acids as well as the inflammatory mediators cause damage to
capillary beds. Elevated free fatty acid levels have been associated with hypoxemia.[14] Free fatty acids
have also been shown to induce inflammation within the lungs.[15]
Regardless of the mechanism initiating fat embolism, the end result is an intense inflammatory response.
Capillary beds develop increased permeability and inflammatory mediators damage surrounding tissues.
In the lungs, this induces lung injury that is indistinguishable from ARDS.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
Embolized fat droplets can travel to microvasculature throughout the body. FES is, therefore, a
multiorgan disease and can damage any microcirculatory system within the body. Fat has been reported
to embolize to the lungs, brain, skin, retina, kidneys, liver, and even the heart.[16]
Presenting signs are nonspecific and include tachypnea, tachycardia, and fever. Patient may have a
petechial rash. Specific symptoms are dependent on the organ systems involved.
The pulmonary circulation is most commonly affected in FES, with up to 75% of patients experiencing
respiratory depression.[17,18] The degree of respiratory dysfunction can range from mild hypoxia
requiring supplemental oxygen to ARDS requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. Patients may
decompensate rapidly to respiratory failure, especially during manipulation of fractures whilemoving the
patient or setting the fracture in the operating room. This must especially be taken into consideration
while in the operating room; an anesthetized patient may develop acute hypoxia secondary to FES.
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FES can cause nonspecific neurological symptoms. Symptoms are believed to arise from cerebral edema
rather than ischemia, so symptoms are nonlateralizing.[19] Patients may become lethargic or restless. A
change in Glasgow coma scale (GCS) may suggest the development of cerebral edema due to FES. In the
setting of severe cerebral edema the patient may become unresponsive.[20]
Dermal involvement results in a petechial rash, reported in approximately 50% of patients.[21] This rash
tends to be transient, lasting less than 24 h. While the torso is most commonly affected, the entire dermis
and even mucosal membranes can be involved.
Microvascular injury of the retina results in hemorrhagic lesion of the retina, seen in 50% of
patients.[22] These lesions are self-limited, disappearing within weeks.[23] Residual visual deficits are
uncommon.
Patients may also develop thrombocytopenia or a decrease in hemoglobin in FES.
DIAGNOSIS
Since FES is a heterogeneous disease with no pathognomonic features, its diagnosis can be challenging.
Gurd proposed a of clinical criteria for diagnosing FES in 1970 that he later modified with Wilson[4,5] [
Table 1]. Schonfeld has suggested a scoring system to helpin diagnosis[24] [Table 2], while Lindeque
proposed that FES can be diagnosed based on respiratory changes alone[25] [Table 3]. None of these
criteria have been validated or have been universally accepted.
In the acute setting respiratory distress is the most clinically significant feature of FES. Respiratory
distress from FES is indistinguishable from ARDS seen in polytrauma patients. White has suggested
defining FES as ARDS with additional organ involvement due to bone trauma.[26]
Laboratory and imaging tests can helpin the diagnosis, but are nonspecific. Patients will demonstrate
hypoxemia while on room air on arterial blood gas. Chest x-ray will often show diffuse interstitial
infiltrates while chest CT scan will show diffuse areas of vascular congestion and pulmonary edema.
Attempts at developing specific test for FES have been disappointing. Biologic markers such as lipase,
free fatty acids, and phospholipase A2 have all been shown to be elevated in patients with FES; however,
this elevation is nonspecific in patients with lung injury. Microscopic examination of blood, urine, or
sputum may show fat globules, but again this finding is nonspecific.
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) has been heavily investigated as a diagnostic tool for FES.[27–29] Lipid
inclusions within macrophages can be quantified BAL. BAL though is invasive and time intensive. It has
not become widely used in diagnosing FES.
With the absence of specific tests or criteria the diagnosis of FES is dependent on the clinical acumen of
the treating physician. It should be clinically suspected in patients with respiratory distress or a petechial
rash and are at high risk for developing FES.
TREATMENT
Pharmacologic interventions
Therapeutic treatments developed specifically for FES have been largely unsuccessful. Early experiments
attempted to use dextrose to decrease free fatty acid mobilization or ethanol to decrease lipolysis;
however, neither have shown clinical benefits.[30,31] Anticoagulation with heparin was found to be
beneficial in animal models but is no longer commonly used in clinical practice due to the risk of
bleeding and unproven benefits.[32–34]
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Corticosteroidtherapy has been proposed as a potential therapy for FES by limiting free fatty acid levels,
stabilizing membranes, and inhibiting complement mediated leukocyte aggregation. Meta-analysis of
seven randomized trials using prophylactic corticosteroids in patients with long-bone fractures found
that corticosteroids reduce the risk of FES by 77% (95% CI: 40–91%).[35] This same trial reported no
difference in mortality, infection, or avascular necrosis in patients treated with corticosteroids compared
to control patients. This meta-analysis, though, included only one recent trial. A 2004 randomized trial
found no difference in incidence of FES between patients treated with methylprednisolone.[7] While still
controversial, some clinicians administer corticosteroids to patients with long-bone fractures as FES
prophylaxis. Methylprednisolone is the most commonly used steroid and dosages range from 6 to 90
mg/kg.
Placement of inferior venal cava filters has been advocated as a method to reduce showering of emboli to
the pulmonary vasculature. IVC filters as a prophylactic treatment to prevent FES have not been
sufficiently studied.
Supportive treatment
Once a patient develops FES the only proven treatment is supportive care of the involved organ systems.
Supplemental oxygen may be required to improve oxygenation. If ARDS develops the patient may
require mechanical ventilation while recovering from lung injury. Patients may require intravenous fluid
for resuscitation to avoid developing shock. In severe cases, in which a fat pulmonary embolism causes,
right ventricular failure ionotropic support with dobutamine may be necessary.[36]
Patients with neurological manifestations require frequent neurological examinations and
documentation of Glascow Coma Scale to assess for neurologic deterioration. Rapid deterioration may
develop from increased cerebral edema.[20] Patients with FES and cerebral edema may benefit from
placement of an intracranial pressure monitor in order to direct treatment of cerebral edema.[37]
Operative fixation
Early operative fixation of long-bone fractures is advocated to reduce the incidence of FES. In the
long-bone, fractures were treated conservatively with prolonged immobilization, with the incidence of
FES in these patients reported as 22%.[38] The movement of fracture ends prior to operative fixation
have been shown to result in transient showering of fat embolism.[39] Cytokines remain persistently
elevated in patients undergoing conservative treatment and then return to normal after operative
fixation.[40]
The use of internal fixation devices for treatment of long bone fractures was accompanied by a reduction
in the incidence of FES.[41] Several retrospective studies have also reported decreased incidence of FES
with use of internal fixation devices.[11,42–47] Johnson et al. further demonstrated that patients
undergoing fixation urgently had an incidence of ARDS of 7% compared to an incidence of ARDS of 39%
in patients that had fixation delayed by more than 24 h.[43]
Increased intramedullary pressure during fixation increases the amount of fat emboli entering the
circulation.[48] Care must be taken during operative fixation to limit intramedullary pressure.
While reaming may increase intramedullary pressure, reaming has not been shown to increase the
incidence of FES. A randomized trial comparing pulmonary complications in patients undergoing
fixation with reamed nailing and unreamed nailing found no difference between the two groups.[49]
When assessed with transesophageal echocardiography, patients undergoing fixation with reamed and
unreamed nails had visible pulmonary embolism.[50]
Surgical techniques to reduce embolization including drilling holes in the cortex to reduce
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intramedullary pressure, lavaging bone marrow prior to fixation to reduce marrow for embolization,
venting of the femur, use of a bone-vacuum, and use of tourniquets to prevent embolization have been
attempted. None of these have clearly been shown to reduce FES.[51–55]
Morbidity and mortality
With supportive care and early fixation FES has a favorable outcome. The most significant morbidity is
associated with the development of ARDS. However, most patients can expect a complete recovery of
pulmonary, neurologic, and retinal abnormalities. Mortality rates from FES in modern studies utilizing
supportive measures and early operative fixation report the mortality from FES between 7% and
10%.[9,10]
CONCLUSION
FES most commonly presents with respiratory distress in orthopedic trauma patients. No specific
diagnostic tests or criteria exist, so the syndrome is most often a diagnosis of exclusion. Therapy is most
often directed at treatment of ARDS and support of other organ systems affected by fat embolization.
Early operative fixation long-bone fractures have reduced the incidence of FES.
Footnotes
Source of Support: Nil
Conflict of Interest: None declared.
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47. Brundage SI, McGhan R, Jurkovich GJ, Mack CD, Maier RV. Timing of femur fracture fixation: Effect
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49. Anwar IA, Battistella FD, Neiman R, Olson SA, Chapman MW, Moehring HD. Femur fractures and
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50. Coles RE, Clements FM, Lardenoye JW, Wermeskerken GV, Hey LA, Nunley JA, et al.
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51. Martin R, Leighton RK, Petrie D, Ikejiani C, Smyth B. Effect of proximal and distal venting during
intramedullary nailing. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1996;332:80–9. [PubMed: 8913148]
52. Dalgorf D, Borkhoff CM, Stephen DJ, Finkelstein J, Kreder HJ. Venting during prophylactic nailing
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Figures and Tables
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Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci. 2013 Jan-Mar; 3(1): 64–68.
PMCID: PMC3665122
doi: 10.4103/2229-5151.109426
Fat embolism syndrome
Michael E. Kwiatt and Mark J. Seamon
Department of Surgery, Cooper University Hospital, Division of Trauma Surgery, Camden, NJ, USA
Address for correspondence: Dr. Michael E. Kwiatt, Department of Surgery, Cooper University Hospital, Office of Surgical Education, 3
Cooper Plaza, Suite 411, Camden, NJ, USA. E-mail: kwiatt-michael@cooperhealth.edu
Copyright : © International Journal of Critical Illness and Injury Science
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported,
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Abstract
Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is an ill-defined clinical entity that arises from the systemic
manifestations of fat emboli within the microcirculation. Embolized fat within capillary beds cause direct
tissue damage as well as induce a systemic inflammatory response resulting in pulmonary, cutaneous,
neurological, and retinal symptoms. This is most commonly seen following orthopedic trauma; however,
patients with many clinical conditions including bone marrow transplant, pancreatitis, and following
liposuction. No definitive diagnostic criteria or tests have been developed, making the diagnosis of FES
difficult. While treatment for FES is largely supportive, early operative fixation of long bone fractures
decreases the likelihood of a patient developing FES.
Keywords: Fat embolism, fat embolism syndrome, trauma
OVERVIEW
Over 150 years ago, Zenker described the first case of fat embolism syndrome (FES) in a patient suffering
from crush injury.[1] While FES was later clinically diagnosed and often reported in the literature over
the next 100 years, Gurd's clinical description of the FES renewed interest in studying this
syndrome.[2,3]
Fat embolism is the presence of fat particles within the microcirculation, while FES is the systemic
manifestation of fat emboli within the microcirculation. Common systemic manifestations include
respiratory distress, altered mental status, and a rash.
FES is most often associated with orthopedic trauma. Rare cases of FES have been reported to occur
following bone marrow transplantation, osteomyelitis, pancreatitis, alcoholic fatty liver, and even
liposuction.[4] Since most cases of FES occur following orthopedic trauma, available research focused on
FES in orthopedic trauma patients.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Fat embolization occurs frequently following orthopedic trauma. Fat globules have been detected in the
blood of 67% of orthopedic trauma patients in one study.[5] This number increased to 95% when the
blood is sampled in close proximity to the fracture site.[6]
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Hypoxemia may suggest fat embolization causing subclinical FES. Almost all patients monitored with
continuous pulse oximetry following a long-bone fracture will have episodes of hypoxemia.[7]
Further embolization may occur during operative fixation. Intraoperative transesophageal
echocardiogram studies have detected fat embolization in 41% of patients during the fixation of
long-bone fractures.[8]
While almost all patients will have fat globules detected in the blood or develop transient hypoxia, the
incidence of FES is much lower. In his initial study defining the clinical criteria for FES, Gurd reported
the incidence of FES as 19% in a group of trauma patients.[9] As early operative fixation of long-bone
fractures has become standard care, modern studies report an incidence of FES between 0.9% and
11%.[10–12]
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Fat particles enter the circulation and cause damage to capillary beds. While the pulmonary system is
most frequently affected, fat embolism can occur in the microcirculation of the brain, skin, eyes, and
heart can be involved.
The two leading theories for the formation of fat embolism are the mechanical theory and biochemical
theory. The mechanical theory proposes that obstruction of the systemic vasculature by fat embolism
occurs from the direct release of bone marrow into the venous system following trauma. An elevated
intramedullary pressure following trauma leads to the release of fat through open venous sinusoids. The
embolized fat obstructs capillary beds. While this accounts for embolisms within the pulmonary
capillaries, the theory does not explain embolisms within the systemic capillaries beds. Patients have
been shown to have systemic fat embolization without a patent foramen ovale.[13]
The biochemical theory provides an alternate explanation for fat embolization. This theory proposes that
the inflammatory response to trauma causes the release of free fatty acids from the bone marrow into the
venous system. The elevated free fatty acids as well as the inflammatory mediators cause damage to
capillary beds. Elevated free fatty acid levels have been associated with hypoxemia.[14] Free fatty acids
have also been shown to induce inflammation within the lungs.[15]
Regardless of the mechanism initiating fat embolism, the end result is an intense inflammatory response.
Capillary beds develop increased permeability and inflammatory mediators damage surrounding tissues.
In the lungs, this induces lung injury that is indistinguishable from ARDS.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
Embolized fat droplets can travel to microvasculature throughout the body. FES is, therefore, a
multiorgan disease and can damage any microcirculatory system within the body. Fat has been reported
to embolize to the lungs, brain, skin, retina, kidneys, liver, and even the heart.[16]
Presenting signs are nonspecific and include tachypnea, tachycardia, and fever. Patient may have a
petechial rash. Specific symptoms are dependent on the organ systems involved.
The pulmonary circulation is most commonly affected in FES, with up to 75% of patients experiencing
respiratory depression.[17,18] The degree of respiratory dysfunction can range from mild hypoxia
requiring supplemental oxygen to ARDS requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. Patients may
decompensate rapidly to respiratory failure, especially during manipulation of fractures whilemoving the
patient or setting the fracture in the operating room. This must especially be taken into consideration
while in the operating room; an anesthetized patient may develop acute hypoxia secondary to FES.
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