Abstract

SANTOS MARTINEZ, LUIS EFRÉN et al. SÍNDROME DE EMBOLIA GRASA SECUNDARIA A INYECCIÓN INTRAMUSCULAR DE MATERIAL OLEOSO. Rev. Inst. Nal. Enf. Resp. Mex. [online]. 2004, vol.17, n.4, pp.272-279. ISSN 0187-7585.

The term fat embolism refers to the presence of fat droplets in the circulation; patients can be asymptomatic or present with a full blown clinical syndrome. Fat embolism can develop after trauma, orthopedic surgery and cosmetic procedures. We present the case of a 15-year-old female that developed the fat embolism syndrome after a single intra-muscular injection in each buttock of an oily substance, for cosmetic reasons. The clinical picture was associated with respiratory failure, neurological impairment and blood abnormalities. The diagnosis was established according to the Gurd and Lindeque criteria. The patient developed the acute respiratory distress syndrome and required mechanical ventilation. The patient had a complete recovery and is without any sequelae after a one-year follow up.

Keywords : Pulmonary fat embolism; acute respiratory distress syndrome; acute lung injury.