What Causes Fat Embolism Syndrome?

Fat embolism syndrome is a serious condition that can occur when a segment of intravascular fat becomes stuck inside an individual's blood vessel and obstructs the flow of blood to certain areas of the body. Symptoms of fat embolism syndrome include shortness of breath, lethargy, petechial rash, anemia, rapid breathing, mental confusion, fever, and coma. Severe inflammation, neurological alterations, and multi-organ dysfunction can also occur in fat embolism syndrome patients. There is no established diagnostic test for this condition, so diagnosis is typically made based on a physical examination, Gurd's criteria, and medical history. Supportive care is the focus of fat embolism syndrome treatment and includes interventions such as supportive oxygen therapy, medication to increase blood volume, steroids, blood thinners, and intravenous fluids. This type of therapy is provided to eliminate free fatty acids from the body that are causing tissue damage and inflammation.