Hypoxic Decompression and Fat Embolism.

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Abstract
To investigate a possible relationship between fat emboli and hypoxic decompression, rabbits were exposed to simulated altitudes of 30,000 ft. and 60,000 ft. in a decompression chamber. Normal rabbits, cholesterol-fed rabbits, and ethionine-treated rabbits were decompressed and autopsied, and a search was made for fat emboli in the lungs. None of the animals developed a significant number of emboli compared to control animals that were similarly treated but not decompressed. Hypoxic decompression in the rabbit will not result in the formation of fat emboli, even in the presence of fatty liver or hyperlipemia. The factors responsible for fat emboli in fatal human decompression sickness remain unclear.