Fat Embolism Syndrome: A Case Report and Review Literature

Abstract

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a life-threatening complication in patients with orthopedic trauma, especially long bone fractures. The diagnosis of fat embolism is made by clinical features alone with no specific laboratory findings. FES has no specific treatment and requires supportive care, although it can be prevented by early fixation of bone fractures. Here, we report a case of FES in a patient with right femoral neck fracture, which was diagnosed initially by Gurd's criteria and subsequently confirmed by typical appearances on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. The patient received supportive management and a short course of intravenous methylprednisolone.

Percutaneous Cement Injection for the Palliative Treatment of Osseous Metastases: A Technical Review

“…[60][61][62][63] In the event of fat embolism, the patient classically presents with respiratory insufficiency, neurologic manifestation, and petechial rash after an asymptomatic interval of 12 to 72 hours according to Guard's criteria. 64 To prevent symptomatic fat embolisms, recommendations suggest limiting cement injection to less than 30 mL per intervention. 65 Treatment of symptoms suspected to be a result of fat embolus includes supportive measures with oxygenation and short course of steroids.…”

From the diagnosis to the therapeutic management: cerebral fat embolism, a clinical challenge

“…In contrast, a decreased incidence of FES-CFE is associated with early immobilization and fixation of fractures 15. Finally, concerning sex, data are conflicting: some authors suggest that there is no sex predilection for FES-CFE development, whereas others report male gender as a risk factor 34,35…”

“…When examining the lungs, different imaging modalities can be used: chest radiography, ventilation/perfusion imaging of the lungs, and spiral chest computed tomography (CT). However, as is the case for laboratory tests, all these instrumental tests lack specificity and in some cases, sensitivity, that is, some patients with FES can show a normal chest film or the findings detected can also be seen in patients with pulmonary hemorrhage or pulmonary edema 35…”

“…According to the literature, brain computed tomography is considered less sensitive and specific than MRI, and in fact, it may be normal or show nonspecific signs of diffuse edema 3,4,34,35. However, it may also show bizarre, scattered, hypodense round lesions with the specific density of fat, suggesting CFE (Figure 2).…”

Erratum to “Fat Embolism Syndrome: A Case Report and Review Literature”

“…In the article titled “Fat Embolism Syndrome: A Case Report and Review Literature” [ 1 ], the legends of Figures 3 and 4 were reversed due to a production error. The correct figures and their legends are shown below.…”