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[Tetraplegia in fat embolism]
A Bouaggad1, A Harti, H Barrou
1Service d'Anesthésie, CHU Ibnou Rochd, Casablanca, Maroc.
Annales Francaises D'Anesthesie Et De Reanimation
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Fat embolism after long bone fractures can cause tetraplegia. This report details two cases where patients developed severe neurological deficits but recovered fully within three weeks.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a potential complication following long bone fractures.
- FES can manifest with diverse neurological symptoms, including altered consciousness and respiratory distress.
Observation:
- Two young male patients with long bone fractures presented with symptoms of FES, including coma (Glasgow Coma Scale score of 6), dyspnea, and petechiae.
- Both patients subsequently developed tetraplegia, a rare neurological manifestation of FES.
Findings:
- Cranial CT scans were unremarkable, but MRI revealed high-intensity areas on T2-weighted images, suggesting edema or ischemia.
- Neurological deficits, including tetraplegia, resolved completely within three weeks in both cases.
Implications:
- This case report highlights tetraplegia as a possible, albeit rare, neurological complication of FES.
- Early recognition and supportive management of FES are crucial for favorable neurological outcomes, even in severe presentations.