Which of the following is true of fat embolism ?
High-Yield Explanation
Ans. is 'a' i.e., Thrombocytopenia Fat embolism Fat embolism means circulation of fat globule away from its site of origin. When fat embolism causes symptoms it is called fat embolism syndrome. Causes of fat embolism Fracture of long bone (most common) - Blunt trauma 6. Recent Coicosteroid administration Soft tissue trauma 7. Acute pancreatitis Burns 8. D.M. Parenteral lipid infusion 9. Liposuction Sickle cell crisis 10. Decompression sickness Pathogenesis of fat embolism syndrome o Fat is released from the marrow after trauma and enters the circulation by rupture of the marrow vascular sinusoids. o These fat droplets are deposited in pulmonary and brain vessels ---> Respiratory & neurological symptoms. Clinical manifestations of fat embolism syndrome o Classical triad of fat embolism syndrome is - i) Respiratory symptoms Dysnea, Tachpnea, or even ARDS. ii) Neurological symptoms --> Confusion, disorientation. iii) Petechial rash --> In axilla, neck o Other --> Fever, tachycardia, Subconjuctival & retinal hemorrhages. Lab findings o Thrombocytopenia o Hypocalcemia o Fat microglobulinemia (not macroglobulinemia) o T ESR o Anemia o Hypoalbuminemia o Fat globules in urine o Hypoxemia