System: Forensic Pathology: Lung: : Fat emboli
Case 1, image 1: This 31 year old man died of a seizure disorder most likely related to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Sections of his lungs at autopsy revealed pulmonary fat emboli, which were caused by resuscitation.
Case 1, image 2: A closer look at the round fat globules within the pulmonary vessels.
Image 3: An oil red O stain can be performed to highlight the fat globules.
Image 4: Lipids are stained red.
Pulmonary fat emboli can be caused by fractures (most commonly of long bones or pelvis) or as artifacts of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.