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[Post-traumatic fat embolism. Apropos of a case]
F Bertel1, D Y Charpentier, A Mehou-Loko
1Service d'Ophtalmologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de la Guadeloupe, Pointe-à-Pitre.
Journal Francais D'Ophtalmologie
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Fat embolism following a femoral fracture can cause bilateral cotton-wool spots in the retina. Angiography revealed a masking effect, but visual fields remained unaffected.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Trauma Medicine
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a rare but serious complication following long bone fractures, particularly femoral fractures.
- Ocular manifestations of FES are not well-documented, necessitating further clinical investigation.
Observation:
- A patient with a diaphysare femoral fracture presented with clinical, ophthalmoscopic, angiographic, and perimetric findings.
- Fundus examination revealed bilateral cotton-wool spots, indicative of retinal microvascular changes.
Findings:
- Fluorescein angiography demonstrated a characteristic masking effect of the cotton-wool spots.
- Despite retinal findings, visual field testing did not reveal scotomas in the affected retinal areas.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of ophthalmoscopic examination in patients with suspected fat embolism.
- Understanding the angiographic and perimetric findings aids in the diagnosis and management of ocular FES.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the full spectrum of ocular involvement in fat embolism syndrome.