[A case of delayed fat embolism after a vertebral osteosynthesis]. / A propos d'un cas d'embolie graisseuse pulmonaire différée post-ostéosynthèse vertébrale.

A 37-year-old woman presented an acute respiratory distress syndrome six days after a post-traumatic vertebral osteosynthesis. First, a pulmonary embolism was suspected, and a thrombolysis realised. This diagnosis was secondary excluded, and the diagnosis of probable fatty embolism was established by the bronchoalveolar lavage. So, this case shows a delayed presentation of fatty embolism and permits a discussion about clinical presentation, and diagnosis methods of such pathology.

[No surgery without previous compression ultrasound in patients with a superficial venous thrombosis: a case of massive paradoxical embolism]. / Pas de chirurgie sans échographie préalable en cas de thrombose veineuse superficielle clinique : à propos d'un cas d'embolie paradoxale grave.

Lower limbs superficial venous thrombosis (LLSVT) is usually considered as common and of a benign prognosis. LLSVT can, however, be responsible for major thromboembolic complications: lower limbs deep vein thrombosis (LLDVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). We report a case of a LLSVT complicated with a massive bilateral PE and an ischemic cerebral stroke, occurring immediately after a varicose vein surgery. Venous ultrasonography of the lower limbs must be systematically performed in case of LLSVT, in order to evaluate the presence of an associated LLDVT. A rigorous diagnostic and therapeutic approach is the only way to optimize the treatment of this disorder, and to avoid the occurrence of dramatic venous thromboembolic complications.