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VOLUME 19 , ISSUE 11 ( 2015 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Neuroimaging findings in a case of cerebral fat embolism syndrome with delayed recovery

Shveta Kajal, Anupriya Saxena

Keywords : Cerebral, fat embolism syndrome, intensive care, magnetic resonance imaging, neurological

Citation Information : Kajal S, Saxena A. Neuroimaging findings in a case of cerebral fat embolism syndrome with delayed recovery. Indian J Crit Care Med 2015; 19 (11):674-677.

DOI: 10.4103/0972-5229.169350

License: CC BY-ND 3.0

Published Online: 01-02-2013

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2015; The Author(s).


Abstract

A young male with multiple lower limb fractures admitted to our Intensive Care Unit was diagnosed with cerebral fat embolism syndrome (FES) based on clinical features and initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which showed multiple hyperintensities on T2-weighted imaging, involving bilateral cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres, predominantly in the watershed territory. The serial MRI done at 3 weeks showed more prominent and larger sized lesions which were in line with the patient′s initial low Glasgow Coma Score and indicated severe cerebral insult. The patient responded well to supportive intensive care therapy; his neurological recovery though slow was consistent as he could return to his full functional status after 6 months. The follow-up MRI showed resolution of the most of earlier lesions. This indicates potentially good outcomes even in severe cases of cerebral FES with appropriate medical care.


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