A 32-Year-Old Hospitalized Man Is Evaluated for New-Onset Shortness of Breath

A 32-year-old hospitalized man is evaluated for new-onset shortness of breath and confusion.  The patient was admitted for a displaced femoral neck fracture of the left hip acquired after a fall the day before. He develops worsening shortness of breath and confusion and dies despite appropriate management. There are several scattered petechiae on the anterior chest wall. Microscopic evaluation of his pulmonary vessels reveals the findings shown below. Which of the following most likely predisposed this patient to developing the observed histopathologic abnormality?

A) Aspiration of gastric contents
B) Left ventricular dysfunction
C) Long-bone fracture
D) Severe systemic infection
E) Thrombosis in the deep veins

Correct Answer:

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