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Cerebral Fat Embolism After Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery
Maenia Scarpino1, Giovanni Lanzo2, Francesco Cappelli3
1Division of Neurophysiopathology, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Florence, Italy; Division of Neurophysiopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|October 25, 2016
Summary
Cerebral fat embolism (CFE) is a rare condition, often linked to fractures. This case highlights CFE following video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), demonstrating a rare nontraumatic cause.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Cerebral fat embolism (CFE) is typically associated with traumatic long bone fractures.
- Diagnosis of CFE can be challenging, especially in atypical cases.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old woman developed decreased consciousness, seizures, and hemiparesis three days after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).
- Pre-existing conditions included pneumonia and bilateral pleural effusion.
Findings:
- Neuroimaging (CT and MRI) revealed findings consistent with cerebral fat embolism.
- The VATS procedure represented an uncommon, nontraumatic cause of fat embolism.
Implications:
- This case underscores the possibility of CFE after non-traumatic procedures like VATS.
- Prompt neuroimaging is crucial for diagnosing CFE, guiding treatment, and avoiding further investigations.
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