Ok Hee Woo MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Hwan Seok Yong MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Bong Kyung Shin MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Yu-Whan Oh MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Cheol Min Park MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Eun-Young Kang MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To demonstrate the CT and pathologic findings of the sequential changes for experimental pulmonary fat embolism (PFE), and to correlate the CT and pathologic findings of rabbit lung.

PFE was induced by an intravenous injection of 0.2 mL linoleic acid, a free fatty acid, in 24 rabbits. The rabbits were divided into 4 groups of 6 rabbits each. CT scans were obtained sequentially at 2 hrs (n=24), day 1 (n=18), day 3 (n=12) and day 7 (n=6) after fat embolization. Two radiologists reviewed the CT findings with a consensus. After each of the last follow-up CTs, each group of rabbits was sacrificed. The pathologic findings were analyzed and CT-pathologic correlation was then done.

CT scans showed bilateral GGO, consolidation and nodule in all cases. The findings of PFE at 2 hrs after fat embolization were decreased attenuation area, GGO, consolidation and nodule. These findings were aggravated on the follow-up CT after 1 day and 3 days. The follow-up CT revealed linear density in the subpleural lungs after 7 days. On CT-pathology correlation; wedge shaped ischemic necrosis in the subpleural lungs correlated with nodule on the CT at 2 hrs. GGO and consolidation on the CT at day 1, correlated with congestion and edema, and these findings on the CT at day 3 were correlated with inflammation and hemorrhagic edema. The linear density in the subpleural lungs correlated with interstitial fibrosis and pleural contraction at day 7.

PFE was caused by using linoleic acid which is kind of free fatty acid, in all rabbits and as for our study, presentation can become one model of the occurrence of nontraumatic PFE. CT accurately depicted the natural evolution of PFE in the serial follow-up and this correlated well with the pathologic findings. Furthermore, this study could serve as the basic data for not only study on the mechanical theory, but also for study on the biochemical theory and on the pathogenesis of PFE that results from tissue damage by the toxicity of free fatty acid.

This study suggests that CT and pathologic findings of the sequential changes for experimental PFE using FFA can help recognize natural evoluation of nontraumatic PFE.

Woo, O, Yong, H, Shin, B, Oh, Y, Park, C, Kang, E, Experimental Pulmonary Fat Embolism: CT and Pathologic Findings of the Sequential Changes.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4434466.html