Fracture of the tibia and fibula in a car accident with cerebral fat embolism syndrome (FES): A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Fat embolism is defined by the presence of fat globules in the pulmonary circulation. The term fat embolism syndrome (FES) refers to the clinical syndrome that follows an identifiable insult that releases fat into the circulation, resulting in pulmonary and systemic symptoms. Case Report: We report a case of a 28-year-old male, victim of a medium impact collision presenting long bone fractures (tibia and fibula) evolving with fat embolism syndrome (FES). Conclusion: Almost all cases of FES are due to fractures of long and pelvic bones (the bone marrow contains a high fat content). However, some cases are associated with trauma in the absence of orthopedic fractures and rare cases are not related to trauma. In this sense, it is important to present a case in a polytrauma emergency unit that requires quick and assertive attention to the patient’s clinical management and stabilization, in addition to the importance of the intervention of the neurology and neurosurgery team.