SEARCH RESULTS FOR: Fat-Embolism-Syndrome

Fat-Embolism-Syndrome

Fat Embolism Syndrome: Pathogenesis and clinical findings Panniculitis (conditions causing inflammation of subcutaneous fat) Non-trauma related (rare) Long bone fracture Pelvic fracture Orthopedic Trauma Intraosseous access Soft tissue injuries Chest compressions Bone marrow transplant Pancreatitis Diabetes mellitus Fat from bone marrow is disrupted and leaks into bloodstream via damaged blood vessels Fat globules obstruct dermal capillaries Capillaries rupture Blood leaks into the skin Petechial rash Non-Orthopedic Trauma (less common) Fat from injured adipose tissue is released from adipocytes into bloodstream Metabolic disturbance mobilizes stored fat and moves it into circulation Fat Embolism Syndrome the presence of fat globules in circulation Fat globules damage blood vessel walls Platelets stick to damaged areas Platelet aggregation ↑ circulating free fatty acids ↑ inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL1, IL6) ↑ serum C Reactive Protein (an acute phase reactant) C reactive protein binds to lipid vesicles in circulation ↑ formation of lipid complexes in the blood Obstruction of cerebral vasculature ↓ blood flow and oxygen delivery to brain tissue Neurological findings: ranging from ↓ level of consciousness to seizures Notes: Large quantities of fat globules can obstruct pulmonary vasculature Blood clots form throughout the body Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy Back up of blood into right heart àRight ventricular dysfunction ↓ pulmonary arterial blood flow à↓ gas exchange in the lungs Higher CO2 & lower O2 levels in blood àdetected by chemoreceptors Chemoreceptors stimulate respiratory centre in the brain to ↑ rate of respiration Dyspnea / Tachypnea Authors: Tabitha Hawes Reviewers: Hannah Koury, Alyssa Federico, Davis MacLean, Mehul Gupta, Yan Yu*, Jeremy Lamothe* * MD at time of publication • Underlined findings indicate classic triad of symptoms (petechial rash, neurologic findings, dyspnea/tachypnea) • Clinical presentation of fat embolism syndrome is variable and may present with any or all of these findings ↓ pumping of blood into systemic circulation Hypotension Obstructive shock Legend: Pathophysiology Mechanism Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding Complications Published July 19, 2021 on www.thecalgaryguide.com