Síndrome de embolismo graso en procedimientos lipoplásticos: un reto diagnóstico, una incertidumbre terapéutica y un desenlace habitualmente fatal

Lipoplasty accounts for 29% of plastic surgeries. The fat embolism syndrome is the third cause of complications associated with liposuction, with a mortality of 10 to 15%, and is defined as the rapid appearance of respiratory distress signs, as well as haematological and neurological alterations, which are the mechanical, biochemical or inflammatory consequences of embolism of micro- or macro-particles of fat. The diagnosis presents a great clinical challenge, and involves clarifying the origin of the cardiovascular and respiratory failure (fat embolism syndrome vs. pulmonary thromboembolism, haemorrhage, septic shock, anaesthetic accidents, etc.). There is an urgent need to make therapeutic decisions, which are mostly support measures, for which there are no recommendations based on controlled clinical trials that demonstrate their benefit and risk profile.