Role of susceptibility-weighted imaging in demonstration of cerebral fat embolism. (8th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yeap, Pheyming; Kanodia, Avinash Kumar; Main, Gavin; Yong, Aiwain
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2015
• Publication Date: 2015-01-08
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2014-207581
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Cerebral fat embolism (CFE) is a rare but potentially lethal complication of long bone fractures. Many cases of CFE occur as subclinical events and remain undiagnosed. We report a case of a 22-year-old man, with multiple long bone fractures from a road traffic accident, who subsequently developed hypoxia, neurological abnormality and petechial rash. CT of the head was normal. MRI of the head confirmed the diagnosis with lesions markedly conspicuous and most widespread on susceptibility-weighted imaging as compared to all other sequences including diffusion-weighted imaging.