Fat embolism in the popliteal vein detected on CT: Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Fat emboli are a common phenomenon, but are rarely detected or reported on extremity CT imaging. We present a case of fat embolus in the popliteal vein in the setting of a femoral fracture. This is the most distal fat embolus described in the literature. There are no guidelines regarding intervention if a fat embolus is detected in a peripheral vein on CT. A review of all the previous cases of peripheral fat emboli is presented for reference.

Keywords

• Fat embolism
• CT
• Trauma
• Fracture
• IVC filter