The fat embolism syndrome as a cause of paraplegia. (18th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peters, Siert TA; Witvliet, Marieke J; Vennegoor, Anke; ten Tusscher, Birkitt; Boden, Bauke; Bloemers, Frank W
• Is Part Of: SAGE open medical case reports. Volume 6(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-07-18
• Subjects: Emergency care -- neurology -- radiology -- surgery -- fat embolism syndrome; Clinical medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 616.09
• DOI: 10.1177/2050313X18789318
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-313X

Abstract

The fat embolism syndrome is a well-known complication in trauma patients. We describe a rare case of traumatic fat embolism that leads to paraplegia. A 19-year-old male motorcycle accident victim was presented to our hospital. After stabilization and trauma survey, he was diagnosed with bilateral femur fractures, a spleen laceration and a tear in the inferior vena cava, for which damage control surgery was performed. Post-operatively, the patient became paraplegic and developed a fluctuating consciousness, respiratory distress and petechiae. Fat embolism syndrome was considered as the most plausible cause of the paraplegia. The fat embolism syndrome is seen in approximately 1% of trauma patients, mostly those with bilateral fractures of the femur. Prevention of the syndrome depends on early stabilization of fractures. However, even with optimal care, this syndrome can still occur and may have dramatic consequences, as we demonstrate in this case.