An Early Severe Pulmonary Fat Embolism with Systemic Embolization Following Bilateral Femoral Shaft Fractures

Authors

  • Supawon Srettabunjong Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
  • Surachet Wongwittayapanich Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University

Keywords:

Bilateral femoral shaft fractures, pulmonary fat embolism, sudden death, systemic fat embolism

Abstract

Pulmonary and systemic fat embolization has been recognized as a serious and life-threatening complication of pelvic
and/or long bone fractures. However, articles on pulmonary and systemic fat embolism resulting from bilateral femoral shaft
fractures alone are rarely found in the literature and the fates of such cases are under-reported as well. The authors recently
experienced an early severe pulmonary and systemic fat embolism following bilateral femoral shaft fractures, resulting in a
sudden death about 5 hours after injury. The authors report such a case and also review the relevant literature as to its
cause, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.

 

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Published

01-03-2009

How to Cite

Srettabunjong, S. ., & Wongwittayapanich, S. (2009). An Early Severe Pulmonary Fat Embolism with Systemic Embolization Following Bilateral Femoral Shaft Fractures. Siriraj Medical Journal, 61(2), 96–99. Retrieved from https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/sirirajmedj/article/view/246585

Issue

Vol. 61 No. 2 (2009): Mar-Apr

Section

Original Article

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