Case Report: Atypical posttraumatic fat embolism syndrome: a case of rapidly progressive respiratory failure precipitated by a finger crush injury

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is classically associated with long bone fractures, but finger crush injuries are an extremely rare cause. Obesity has been identified as an independent risk factor for FES development. The article describes a case of a 43-year-old obese male who underwent surgical debridement following crush injuries to his index finger and thumb on the left hand. Twelve hours after surgery, he developed chest pain during physical exertion. His condition rapidly deteriorated, requiring progression from non-invasive to invasive mechanical ventilation. FES was confirmed by detection of fat droplets and lipid-laden macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. After corticosteroid and fluid therapy, the patient recovered successfully and was extubated on day 7.