Suspected coronary fat embolism after liposuction

Catheter Cardiovasc Interv. 2018 Dec 1;92(7):E449-E452. doi: 10.1002/ccd.27598. Epub 2018 Mar 30.

Abstract

A 38-year-old female presented with chest pain and ST elevation on electrocardiogram after an outpatient liposuction procedure. Emergent coronary angiography revealed complete occlusion of multiple coronary arteries, with fat embolism as the suspected etiology. Attempts to restore distal coronary flow with balloon dilatation, aspiration with Pronto catheter, and distal adenosine administration resulted in minimal improvement in flow. The material aspirated was consistent with fat. With supportive therapy, including Impella CP support, the patient's clinical condition improved. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of multiple coronary occlusion after liposuction.

Keywords: coronary; embolism; fat; liposuction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Coronary Occlusion / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Occlusion / etiology*
  • Coronary Occlusion / therapy
  • Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Embolism / etiology*
  • Embolism / therapy
  • Embolism, Fat / diagnostic imaging
  • Embolism, Fat / etiology*
  • Embolism, Fat / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lipectomy / adverse effects*
  • Treatment Outcome