CT pulmonary arteriogram diagnosis of macroscopic fat embolism to the lung

Robert Murphy; Róisín A Murray; Sven O'hEireamhoin; John G Murray

doi:10.1016/j.radcr.2024.02.062

CT pulmonary arteriogram diagnosis of macroscopic fat embolism to the lung

Radiol Case Rep. 2024 Mar 5;19(5):2062-2066. doi: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.02.062. eCollection 2024 May.

Authors

Robert Murphy^{1

2}, Róisín A Murray^{3

4}, Sven O'hEireamhoin^{2

5}, John G Murray^{2

3}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Medicine, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Dublin, Ireland.
² University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Dublin, Ireland.
³ Department of Radiology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Dublin, Ireland.
⁴ Present Address: Department of Nursing, University Hospital Galway, Galway city, Ireland.
⁵ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Dublin, Ireland.

Abstract

Pulmonary fat embolism (PFE) is a recognised complication of long bone fractures. The majority of cases represent microscopic embolism and are not detectable at CT pulmonary arteriography (CTPA). CT can be used to detect macroscopic fat based on Hounsfield attenuation. This case describes a case of macroscopic fat embolism to the pulmonary arteries which was confidently diagnosed at CTPA. Distinction from thromboembolism is important as treatment is supportive and may avoid risks of anticoagulation.

Keywords: CT pulmonary arteriogram; Pulmonary embolism; Pulmonary fat embolism.

Publication types

Case Reports