Tuberc Respir Dis.  2015 Oct;78(4):423-427. 10.4046/trd.2015.78.4.423.

A Case of Acute Fulminant Fat Embolism Syndrome after Liposuction Surgery

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. chinkook@catholic.ac.kr

Abstract

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a clinical manifestation that consists of multiple organ dysfunction due to fat emboli. FES occurs as a complication after trauma or procedures such as surgery. The diagnostic criteria of FES have not yet been established, so clinical criteria are used for its diagnosis. The clinical course of acute fulminant FES can be rapid. Liposuction surgery, in which adipocytes are mechanically disrupted, is one cause of FES. As the number of liposuction surgeries increases, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of FES. This was the first report of a case of acute fulminant FES with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome after liposuction surgery, in Korea.

Keyword

Embolism, Fat; Lipectomy; Syndrome

MeSH Terms

Adipocytes
Diagnosis
Embolism, Fat*
Korea
Lipectomy*
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult

Figure

  • Figure 1 Anteroposterior radiograph of the chest showing diffuse haziness on bilateral lung fields.

  • Figure 2 Initial chest computed tomography (CT) scan showing bilateral diffuse airspace opacity consistent with acute respiratory distress syndrome. (A) Highresolution chest CT. (B) Enhanced chest CT.

  • Figure 3 Chest computed tomography (CT) on 10th day showing much clearing of the bilateral alveolar opacity. Some patchy ground-glass opacity remains. (A) High-resolution chest CT. (B) Enhanced chest CT.


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