PURPOSE To evaluate the effects of fat embolism in organs such as lung and liver. METHODS Twenty rabbits underwent autologous intramuscular fat grafting in the right thigh after liposuction. The groups were determined according to the postoperative day that occurred in euthanasia: 60, 90 and 120 day. Then, lung and liver were excised and sent to the histopathology laboratory for analysis in s...

INTRODUCTION Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography has been the treatment of choice for stones in the common bile duct. Although the procedure is usually safe, procedure-related complications do occur. CASE PRESENTATION A case of pancreatitis following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography is described in a 55-year-old woman. After an uneventful recovery the patient's co...

The pathogenesis of fat embolism, a common complication of fractures of the long bones of the lower limbs, is not delineated. Any explanation must take account of the recognised association of intravascular fibrin deposits with fat embolism. The fibrinolytic enzyme system may function to remove unwanted fibrin in the body. It consists basically of an inactive globulin, plasminogen, which is con...

The mechanism of fat embolism following injury has excited much controversy since it was first described by Zenker in 1862. Two theories seek to explain it-the classical mechanical theory, which is supported by Sevitt (1962), and the metabolic theory, which is supported by Evarts (1965). The mechanical theory suggests that following trauma fat is liberated from the marrow cavity into the venous...

Intraoperative pulmonary fat and bone-marrow embolism is a serious complication of bone and joint surgery. We have investigated the occurrence and incidence of intraoperative embolism in patients undergoing elective lumbar spinal surgery with or without instrumentation. Sixty adult patients with lumbar degenerative disease were examined by intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography while ...

Pulmonary fat embolism in a preterm infant receiving Intralipid intravenously is described. Serum obtained at the time of clinical deterioration agglutinated Intralipid. This coincided with the onset of septicaemia and with a raised serum C reactive protein concentration. Subsequent clinical improvement was associated with reduction in the C reactive protein concentration and nonagglutination o...

We present a case of recurrent saddle embolism 6 days and 9 days following corrective osteotomy of the left femur in a 64-year-old man with a history of atrial fibrillation. Although saddle embolism is a relatively rare event, orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of this condition.