A patient may develop the Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES) following liposuction. In severe cases it can cause the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and even death.
Clinical features:
(1) history of recent liposuction
(2) onset of the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
(3) lipid-laden macrophages in a bronchoalveolar lavage specimen
(4) exclusion of other causes of ARDS and fluid overload
In severe cases fat particles may be found in the circulating blood and retinal blood vessels.
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