Fat Embolism Syndrome: Fact or Myth?

Abstract

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is thought to occur most commonly in patients who suffer severe trauma and orthopedic injuries and may be associated with potentially life-threatening pulmonary complications. However, despite its original description hundreds of years ago, it remains a difficult diagnosis to establish and the process by which a fat embolism leads to the clinical syndrome of FES is poorly understood. Some wonder, therefore, if it is a unique syndrome or just part of the spectrum of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) common to other critically ill patients. In this review, we will summarize the clinical and experimental evidence that supports FES as a unique clinical condition.