Fat embolism syndrome

Nearly all patients following fractures of bones develop sub-clinical form of fat embolism but the classical form of fat embolism syndrome (FES) presents with triad of respiratory, neurologic and dermal manifestations. Non-traumatic conditions can also have fat embolism, but the incidence is very low. The diagnosis is mainly clinical supported by laboratory and radiological finding. Treatment is mainly supportive with early stabilization of fractured bones. In most cases, prognosis is good if the condition is detected and treated early. High index of suspicion in polytrauma patient is the key to early diagnosis of this condition. This report describes two cases of FES, the second case being fulminant fat embolism with added mortality.