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Trauma
intermediate
X-Type

Fat Embolism Syndrome

Perioperative Complications

A 24-year-old male sustains bilateral femoral shaft fractures in a motor vehicle collision. He is hemodynamically stable initially and undergoes initial resuscitation. At 36 hours post-injury, he develops acute onset confusion, hypoxemia (PaO2 55mmHg on room air), and tachypnea. Physical examination reveals a petechial rash on his anterior chest, axillae, and conjunctivae. Chest radiograph shows bilateral diffuse infiltrates. Echocardiography is normal with no evidence of right heart strain. Regarding fat embolism syndrome:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

The classic triad of fat embolism syndrome consists of hypoxemia, neurological dysfunction, and pete...

B

Petechial rash is pathognomonic for fat embolism syndrome but occurs in only 20-50% of cases and may...

C

Fat embolism syndrome is primarily a clinical diagnosis of exclusion after ruling out other causes o...

D

Early surgical stabilization of long bone fractures within 24 hours significantly reduces the incide...

E

High-dose corticosteroids are proven to reduce both the incidence and mortality of fat embolism synd...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option