FAT EMBOLISM AND FAT EMBOLISM SYNDROME;

Abstract

Fat Embolism and the associated Fat Embolism Syndrome is a serious and potentially life threatening condition. It tends tooccur usually after fractures or intramedullary instrumentation of long bones. Non-traumatic conditions such as Diabetes Mellitus severe Burns,SLE, sickle cell disease and Pancreatitis can also lead to Fat Embolic syndrome. Young adults are commonly affected. Presentation consistsof an asymptomatic interval followed by pulmonary and neurological manifestations combined with petechial haemorrhages. The diagnosislargely depends on high index of suspicion and exclusion of other conditions. Treatment of this condition remains supportive. Mortalityassociated with this condition is significant, ranging from 10-20% .