On diagnosis of fat embolism in the putrefactive lungs

The results of biochemical analysis of rabbit lungs in case of death due to fat embolism and mechanical asphyxia (control) are presented. Reliable difference in lipid quantities was evident both immediately after death and in different putrefaction periods (this difference was 9-10 times greater in case of pulmonary fat embolism than in controls. The significant reduction in water content of the lung in case of fat embolism as compared to controls was detected. Histological analysis of the putrefactive lungs cannot detect fat embolism. Biochemical analysis makes it possible to diagnose fat embolism of the lungs in case of their marked putrefactive changes.