High-Resolution CT Scan Findings of Malagari et al for Patients with Mild Fat Embolism

 

Patient selection: fractures to femur, pelvis and/or other long bones

 

Timing for CT scan to detect changes: at least 24 hours after traumatic injury (clinical onset of fat emboli syndrome is usually 1-3 days post trauma)

 

Findings on CT scan:

(1) bilateral ground-glass opacities, which may have a patchy distribution (geophraphical)

(2) thickened interlobular septae

(3) nodular opacities, usually centrilobular

 

Differential diagnosis:

(1) pulmonary contusion (CT changes seen mainly in first 24 hours after injury)

(2) pulmonary edema (show bronchial cuffing, pleural effusions and/or increased artery/bronchus ratio)

(3) aspiration