Cerebral Fat Embolism Diagnosed by Cognitive Disorder

Abstract

Fat embolism syndrome is a rarely seen complication of skeletal trauma, and it is seen at a rate of 2-5% after fractures of the long bones of the lower extremities. Its classic triad-+consists of hypoxemia, petechial bleedings on the skin and neurological findings. These neurological findings are highly variable and non-specific, and they can present with lethargy, irritability, delirium, stupor, convulsion or coma. In this report, a male case is presented who was diagnosed with cerebral embolism due to acute cognitive disorder after a segmental tibial fracture.Key Words: Cerebral fat embolism, tibial fracture, acute cognitive disorder, diffusion-weighted MRI ÖzetYağ embolizmi sendromu, iskelet travmalarının nadir komplikasyonudur, alt ekstremite uzun kemik kırıkları sonrasında %2-5 oranında görülür. Klasik triadı; hipoksemi, ciltte peteşial kanamalar ve nörolojik bulgulardır. Nörolojik bulgular oldukça değişken ve nonspesifik olup baş ağrısı, letarji, irritabilite, deliryum, stupor, konvülzyon veya koma ile prezente olabilir. Bu yazıda, parçalı tibiya fraktürü sonrası akut kognitif bozukluk ile serebral embolizm tanısı alan erkek bir olgu sunulmuştur.Anahtar Kelimeler: Serebral yağ embolisi, tibiyal fraktür, akut kognitif bozukluk, difüzyon ağırlıklı MRG

Stars from the bones—An uncommon presentation of fat embolism syndrome

“…Neurological symptoms are typically accompanied by respiratory failure and skin eruptions. Several cases of isolated cerebral fat embolism have also been reported 11,12 . In our case, respiratory system, skin, and eye examinations were abnormal.…”

Stars From the Bones - An Uncommon Presentation of Fat Embolism Syndrome

“…Neurological symptoms are typically accompanied by respiratory failure and skin eruptions. Several cases of isolated cerebral fat embolism have also been reported [11,12]. In our case, respiratory system, skin, and eye examinations were abnormal.…”

Post‐traumatic cerebral fat embolism syndrome with a favourable outcome: a case report

“…Petechial rash is considered pathognomonic of FES and is reportedly present in up to 60 % of patients, usually on the conjunctiva, oral mucous membranes, skin folds of the neck and axillae [ 16 ]. Although neurological symptoms are typically accompanied by respiratory failure and skin eruptions, isolated cerebral fat embolism cases have been reported in several instances [ 17 , 18 ]. In our case, detailed respiratory system and skin examinations were normal.…”

“…Cerebral fat emboli can often cause the brain to appear oedematous and demonstrate an inflammatory reaction, while numerous petechiae can cover the surface of the brain. It has been hypothesized that the volume of diffusion restriction on initial MRI may be able to predict outcomes [ 22 , 23 ].Fulminant fat embolism is characterized by occlusion of the microvasculature via fat emboli, resulting in microinfarction and haemorrhage [ 1 , 18 , 24 ].…”