[Fat embolism with lung hemorrhage].

Abstract

Post-traumatic fat embolism was disclosed by a picture of alveolar hemorrhage. Acute hypoxemia associated with dense bilateral pulmonary infiltrates was observed in a 21 year-old woman, 4 days after an accident with closed tibial fracture. Cruoric pulmonary thromboembolism was ruled out, as was an acute pulmonary edema. Neither infectious nor immunologic etiology was found. The diagnosis of alveolar hemorrhage was based on bronchoalveolar lavage. Lipid droplets in macrophages stained by "Oil Red O" established the relationship with fat embolism. The outcome was favorable. The association of fat embolism and alveolar hemorrhage has already been reported, but remains rare.

• Authors: M Froidure, N Baudouin, M Merati, P Bonnaiud, E Baulot, F Piard, P Camus
• Journal: Revue des maladies respiratoires (Rev Mal Respir) Vol. 18 Issue 6 Pt 1 Pg. 657-60 (Dec 2001) ISSN: 0761-8425 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Embolie graisseuse à forme hémorragique pulmonaire.
• PMID: 11924189 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Adult
• Embolism, Fat (complications)
• Female
• Hemorrhage (etiology)
• Humans
• Lung Diseases (etiology)
• Pulmonary Alveoli