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Published in: European Journal of Plastic Surgery 5/2019

01-10-2019 | Liposuction | Case Report

Liposuction fat emboli resulting in myocardial infarction: a case report and review of the literature

Authors: Luke J. Grome, Erica Bartlett, Shayan Izaddoost

Published in: European Journal of Plastic Surgery | Issue 5/2019

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Abstract

Liposuction is a well-tolerated and safe procedure performed by plastic surgeons. Rare, major complications include infection, perforation of abdominal wall/viscus, and fat emboli. Fat emboli, seen more often after long bone fractures, are rarely associated with liposuction. We report the only known case of myocardial infarction (MI) secondary to fat embolism in the setting of post-procedural liposuction. A review of the literature was undertaken to elucidate the pathophysiology of liposuction-associated fat embolism, identify patient and procedural risk factors, discuss diagnostic criterion, and identify management of this rare but potentially fatal complication.
Level of Evidence: V
Type of study: Risk study
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Metadata
Title
Liposuction fat emboli resulting in myocardial infarction: a case report and review of the literature
Authors
Luke J. Grome
Erica Bartlett
Shayan Izaddoost
Publication date
01-10-2019
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Plastic Surgery / Issue 5/2019
Print ISSN: 0930-343X
Electronic ISSN: 1435-0130
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-019-01514-0

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