Post-traumatic fat embolism in the inferior vena cava

Histologically, pulmonary fat embolism is seen in up to 97% of traumatized patients, yet almost all of them are asymptomatic. Although clinically significant, fat embolism syndrome is not common; it is a frequent cause of death when it does occur. The authors report the computed tomographic demonstration of fat embolism in the inferior vena cava of a patient who sustained multiple fractures. To their knowledge, no similar case has ever been described.