A fat embolus, often referred to as fatembolus, is a medical term used to describe the condition in which fat globules enter the bloodstream and block blood vessels. It is a rare occurrence typically associated with trauma or fractures of long bones, most commonly the femur or tibia. However, it can also develop as a result of certain medical procedures such as liposuction or bone marrow transplantation.
When a bone is fractured or injured, fat cells from the bone marrow can leak into surrounding blood vessels. These fat cells, known as emboli, travel through the bloodstream and can get lodged in small blood vessels of vital organs such as the lungs, heart, or brain. This obstruction can impede blood flow, leading to tissue damage or dysfunction of affected organs.
Symptoms of a fat embolus may include respiratory distress, confusion, and petechial rash (small red or purple spots on the skin caused by blood leakage). In severe cases, it can cause a condition known as fat embolism syndrome, characterized by a rapid and potentially fatal deterioration of the patient's condition.
Treatment for fatembolus involves supportive care, focusing on maintaining oxygen levels and adequate organ perfusion. In severe cases, mechanical ventilation and blood pressure support may be necessary. Prevention is primarily achieved by managing and minimizing the risk factors associated with fat embolism, especially during orthopedic surgeries or procedures prone to fat embolus formation.
