Silicone embolism syndrome

Q: Silicone embolism syndrome is a clinical diagnosis?

A) True
B) False


Answer: A (True)

Silicone embolism syndrome which may occur after silicone injection for cosmetic and/or therapeutic therapy. It is very much like fat embolism syndrome and has the clinical triad of

• hypoxemia, 
• fever, and 
• a petechial rash

The most devastating manifestation can be diffuse alveolar damage.

Treatment is supportive.


References:

1. Chung KY, Kim SH, Kwon IH, et al. Clinicopathologic review of pulmonary silicone embolism with special emphasis on the resultant histologic diversity in the lung--a review of five cases. Yonsei Med J 2002; 43:152. 

2. Schmid A, Tzur A, Leshko L, Krieger BP. Silicone embolism syndrome: a case report, review of the literature, and comparison with fat embolism syndrome. Chest 2005; 127:2276.