Susceptibility-weighted imaging of cerebral fat embolism: A case report

Abstract

Rationale: Cerebral fat embolism (CFE) is a rare but critical disease in a clinical setting. Considering that manifestations and CT findings of CFE tend to be atypical, this condition is very difficult to diagnose. The purpose of this article was to assess the value of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) in the diagnosis of CFE. Patient concerns: Our patient was an 80-year-old woman who developed hypoxemia, quadriplegia, and progressive confusion after fracture of the right femoral neck and right superior ramus of pubis within 24 hours. Diagnosis: T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (T2 W MRI), fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences, and diffusion-weighted imaging showed numerous hyperintense foci in the subcortex and white matter of both cerebral hemispheres, some of which were confluent and SWI showed multiple symmetrical punctate microhemorrhages in both hemispheres. Base on the history and MRI findings, the patient was diagnosed with CFE. Interventions: The patient received anticoagulation and lipid-lowering therapy. Outcomes: The patient regained consciousness, and her muscle strength in the limbs gradually recovered. One year after discharge, the patient could independently walk on her own. Lession: This case report shows the characteristics of CFE on SWI, which can help clinicians in diagnosing which can help clinicians in diagnosing CFE.

Occurrence of Numerous Cerebral White Matter Hyperintensities in Trauma Patients With Cerebral Fat Embolism: A Systematic Review and Report of Two Cases

“…There were 24 publications reviewed with a total of 131 patients [ 8 - 31 ], and our two cases increased the total to 133 patients. The patients from the reviewed manuscripts were included only after an independent review by each author based on the inclusion criteria described in the methods.…”