Content area
Abstract
Background
Macroscopic fat pulmonary embolism is extremely uncommon. Most cases occur in the context of fat grafting or long bone fractures. Macroscopic fat pulmonary embolism may be associated with cardiopulmonary compromise and is associated with high mortality. Mechanical thrombectomy is an emerging technique in interventional radiology, primarily investigated as a therapeutic approach for thrombotic pulmonary embolism.
Case presentation
We present a case report of a 73-year-old woman with macroscopic fat pulmonary embolism after a neck of femur fracture. Initially, she had severe circulatory shock, requiring multiple vasopressors and admission to the Intensive Care Unit. A percutaneous large-bore mechanical thrombectomy was performed, after which notable improvements to haemodynamic function and overall clinical trajectory were observed.
Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first report of mechanical thrombectomy in macroscopic fat pulmonary embolism. Further research is required to better delineate the role of mechanical thrombectomy in this rare condition.