The pathogenesis of fat embolism

Abstract
Fat embolism is a common autopsy finding in patients with or without a history of trauma. There are two basic mechanisms causing fat to embolize. Depot‐derived fat embolism arises by disruption of depot fat, usually as a result of trauma, allowing direct entry into the bloodstream. Plasma‐derived fat embolism is caused by agglutination of endogenous or infused exogenous fat such as Intralipid, with consequent embolism. Chylomicrons and Intralipid liposomes are known to undergo calcium‐dependent agglutination by C‐reactive protein (CRP), and this may play a role in vivo in this type of fat embolism.

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