Fat embolism: A report of three cases

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a rare complication which usually follows long bone fracture. Clinical manifestations present immediately or 24 to 72 hours after injury. Symptoms are dyspnea, tachypnea, tachycardia, fever, mental status changes and petechial rashes. We reported three cases of FES. The first case had admitted to the pulmonology department with confusion and respiratory distress within 24 hours after tibia fracture. He had petechial rashes on the axillar area and subconjunctival hemorrhages. He was diagnosed as FES and treated. The second case who had right femur fracture had stupor after 48 hours. He had axillary petechial rashes and respiratory distress. He was diagnosed as FES and treated. The third case had admitted to the pulmonology department with the complaints of axillary petechial rashes, subconjunctival hemorrhages after a pelvic fracture. Both first and second patients who had respiratory failure intubated. The third patient died despite treatment. The signs of this syndrome must be carefully examined and considered in the diagnosis of the patients which attend the emergency service with confusion and petechial rashes after long-bone fractures.