Diagnosis of fat embolism syndrome using point‐of‐care ultrasound

Abstract

Fat embolism (FES) is a condition that can lead to severe organ effects and death in patients with long bone fractures. Diagnosis is challenging due to multiple criteria. This case report presents the use of point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) in diagnosing right ventricular dysfunction associated with fat embolism syndrome. A 36‐year‐old patient with a history of obesity presented with multiple fractures and respiratory failure after a road accident. Bedside echocardiography showed evidence of dilated right chambers, right ventricular outflow tract shortened acceleration time, and mild tricuspid insufficiency. Venous ultrasonography showed microembolic signals (MES) interpreted as fat embolism. The patient was treated with fracture reduction and osteosynthesis, which showed improvement in right ventricular dysfunction and the disappearance of MES. FES is a clinical syndrome that occurs after an identifiable bone injury. This case highlights the utility of POCUS in the diagnosis of FES.