Pulmonary lipid emboli in association with long-term hyperalimentation.

Intravenous lipid emulsions are an efficient source of calories, and their use prevents essential fatty acid deficiency. Their use has resulted in prolonged survival in patients with short bowel syndrome and other causes of malnutrition. Serious adverse effects have been rare with the newer lipid emulsions. A case of multiple, partially organized pulmonary lipid-fibrin emboli associated with chronic hyperalimentation is reported.