Fatal pulmonary and cerebral fat embolism in systemic lupus erythematosus

A patient with an eight-year history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and recent onset of recurrent psychosis died after acute deterioration of cardiopulmonary status and level of consciousness. Autopsy disclosed massive pulmonary hemorrhage and unsuspected fat emboli in the lungs, kidney, and brain. This article discusses the significance of systemic fat embolism in SLE, with reference to corticosteroid therapy, fatal pulmonary hemorrhage, and lupus psychosis.