Fat embolism is the obstruction of blood vessels by fat droplets that happens, most of the time, after fractures of long bones, such as the bones of the legs, thighs or hips, but which can also appear in the postoperative period of orthopedic surgeries or procedures. esthetics, such as liposuction, for example.
The droplets of fat can spread through the body's veins and arteries, are carried by the bloodstream and can reach various places and organs of the body. Normally, embolism only causes serious damage when it occurs in large quantities, and when this happens, the organs most affected are:
- Lungs: these are the main organs affected, and there may be shortness of breath and low blood oxygenation, a situation called pulmonary thromboembolism. Understand more about how it happens and other causes of pulmonary embolism; Brain: when they are affected, they cause typical changes in stroke, such as loss of strength, change in walking, changes in vision and difficulty in speech, for example; Skin: inflammation occurs that causes reddish lesions and a tendency to bleed.
However, other organs such as kidneys, retinas, spleen or liver, for example, can also be affected and have their function compromised.
Main causes
Fat embolism can be caused by situations such as:
- Bone fracture, such as femur, tibia and pelvis, after an automobile accident or fall; Orthopedic surgeries, such as knee or hip arthroplasty; Plastic surgery, such as liposuction or filling with fat.
Fat embolism can also happen without a clear reason, spontaneously, which is more rare. Some of the people most at risk have generalized infections, people with a sickle cell crisis, pancreatitis, diabetes, fatty liver, long-term use of corticosteroids or with extensive burns.
Possible symptoms
Generally, fat embolism affects small vessels in the circulation, so it does not always cause symptoms, except when a massive embolism occurs, that is, when it reaches many blood vessels to the point of compromising the circulation and functioning of the organs. Some of the symptoms that can appear include shortness of breath, headache, changes in vision or speech, weakness, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and coma, as well as skin lesions.
The diagnosis of embolism is made by the physician's clinical evaluation, and some tests can help demonstrate areas of organ damage from lack of blood flow, such as MRI.
When Fat Embolism Syndrome happens
Fat embolism can be called Fat Embolism Syndrome when it is severe and affects the lungs, brain, blood clotting and skin simultaneously, causing a severe condition that includes breathing difficulties, brain changes and reddish skin lesions., which indicate inflammation and bleeding tendency.
Only about 1% of fat embolism cases develop this syndrome, which is so severe because, in addition to blocking the vessels by fat droplets, it also triggers chemical reactions in the circulation that produce an intense inflammatory reaction in the body.
How the treatment is done
Although there is no specific treatment to cure fat embolism, there are measures used by the doctor to control symptoms and facilitate recovery. In some cases, this monitoring can be done in an ICU environment, until there is improvement and stabilization of the clinical condition.
Some options used by the doctor include the use of an oxygen catheter or mask, in addition to continuous monitoring of vital signs. If necessary, hydration can be done in the vein with serum, as well as medications to regulate blood pressure.
In addition, some doctors may try to use corticosteroid medications in an attempt to decrease the inflammatory reaction of the disease.
