Transient cortical blindness in fat embolism syndrome---a diagnostic enigma

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a complication of long bone fractures that often occurs within 72 hours of injury. Early-onset isolated cerebral fat embolism is catastrophic and rarely reported. We herein present a rare case of delayed-onset isolated cerebral FES that developed 10 days after definite fixation of a left tibial plateau fracture. A 70-year-old woman was injured in a traffic accident and diagnosed with a left tibial plateau fracture. However, she developed sudden loss of consciousness (E4V1M1) and quadriplegia 10 days after fracture fixation. Her vital signs showed no respiratory distress. Diagnosis of isolated cerebral FES was made based on magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, the findings of which were compatible with the clinical neurological findings. After supportive care and rehabilitation, her consciousness became clear on the second day of admission, and her consciousness changed to E4V5M6. She gradually regained strength in her right limbs but had residual left limb paraplegia. Isolated cerebral FES should always be considered for patients who develop a change in consciousness, even beyond 72 hours after injury. Imaging may not initially show definitive abnormalities. Repeated magnetic resonance imaging should be considered if the initial clinical presentation does not fully meet Gurd’s criteria.

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A rare case of fat embolism syndrome secondary to abdominal liposuction and gluteal fat infiltration

Journal of Surgical Case Reports ◽

10.1093/jscr/rjaa441 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 (12) ◽

Author(s):

Salvador Recinos ◽

Sabrina Barillas ◽

Alejandra Rodas ◽

Javier Ardebol

Keyword(s):

Right Ventricular Dysfunction ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Fat Embolism ◽

Fat Infiltration ◽

Fat Embolism Syndrome ◽

Embolism Syndrome ◽

Threatening Condition ◽

Life Threatening ◽

Bone Marrow Harvesting ◽

Dermatologic Manifestations

Abstract Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a rare, life-threatening condition habitually associated with traumatic events such as fractures and, less commonly, burns, liposuction and bone marrow harvesting and transplant [ 1]. The biochemical theory for this condition suggests that fat droplets embolize and convert into fatty acids, eventually leading to toxic injury and inflammation, which results in increased vascular permeability, edema and hemorrhage [ 2]. FES may have an asymptomatic interval lasting 12–72 hours after the insult; however, in some cases, signs have also been seen intraoperatively. Pulmonary signs and symptoms are customarily the earliest and manifest in 75% of patients. Nevertheless, neurologic and dermatologic manifestations are also characteristic, and most severe cases could perhaps present with disseminated intravascular coagulation, right ventricular dysfunction, shock or death. The following case consists of a 37-year-old patient that presented with fat embolism syndrome during liposuction and gluteal fat infiltration.

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