[Fat emboli syndrome mimicking acute coronary syndrome and pulmonary congestion].

Fat emboli syndrome (FES) is associated with major trauma, orthopedic surgery and various atraumatic conditions. Clinically, FES presents with the triad of respiratory symptoms, mental changes and petechiae. This is a case history of a woman who presented with acute respiratory distress and ECG changes after knee surgery initially diagnosed as pulmonary congestion secondary to acute coronary syndrome. The diagnostic workup and review of literature are presented. FES should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dyspnea after orthopedic surgery.