[Post-traumatic systemic fat embolism syndrome. Retrospective autopsy study]

Area of Science:

• Forensic Medicine
• Pathology

Context:

• Fat embolism syndrome (FES) arises from fat globules obstructing blood vessels.
• FES presents with diverse clinical signs affecting neurologic, respiratory, and cutaneous systems.
• Gurd and Wilson's classification categorizes FES signs into major and minor categories.

Purpose:

• To analyze and compare autopsy findings with clinical data in fatal FES cases.
• To determine the role of FES as a sole or contributing cause of death.

Summary:

• This retrospective study analyzed 56 autopsy cases of FES (1985-1998).
• Males and individuals aged 60-80 years were more frequently affected.
• Typical injuries included femur, tibia, and pelvic fractures; mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 20.65.
• Neurological disturbances (altered consciousness) were the most common initial major sign, followed by respiratory issues.
• Microscopic examination, particularly Sudan III staining, was crucial for postmortem FES diagnosis.
• Common lung complications included bronchopneumonia, hyaline membranes, and edema; brain findings showed perivascular hemorrhages.

Impact:

• Highlights the importance of correlating clinical and autopsy data for accurate FES diagnosis.
• Identifies key demographic and injury patterns associated with fatal FES.
• Emphasizes the diagnostic utility of microscopic findings in postmortem FES cases.