Indian Journal of Critical Care Case Report

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VOLUME 3 , ISSUE 6 ( November-December, 2024 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Does Neurological Manifestations in a Patient Diagnosed with Fat Embolism Syndrome an Indication to Rule Out Cardiac Abnormalities? A Case Report

Javed A Hussain, Unnikrishnan V

Keywords : Case report, Fat embolism syndrome, Patent foramen ovale, Transesophageal echocardiography

Citation Information : Hussain JA, V U. Does Neurological Manifestations in a Patient Diagnosed with Fat Embolism Syndrome an Indication to Rule Out Cardiac Abnormalities? A Case Report. 2024; 3 (6):157-158.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-11006-0134

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 19-10-2024

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2024; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim and background: Fat embolism occurs when bony or soft tissue trauma causes fat to enter the circulation, or in atraumatic disorders where circulating fat particles coalesce abnormally within the circulation. The fat particles deposit in the pulmonary and systemic circulations, although only 1–2% develop a clinical disorder with respiratory, cerebral, and dermal manifestations known as fat embolism syndrome (FES). Management of FES requires early immobilization of fractures and symptomatic management of respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological abnormalities. Case description: Here, we discuss a 32-year-old male with Marfanoid-like features who presented with an alleged history of a road traffic accident and was diagnosed with both a bone fracture in the right leg and a comminuted intertrochanteric fracture in the left hip. The patient underwent proximal femur nail antirotation 2 (PFNA2) fixation of the left hip and postoperatively developed decreased response, desaturation, and low urine output. Conclusion: This case discusses the increased chances of neurological symptoms in individuals with congenital heart abnormalities, such as a patent foramen ovale, and the need for further cardiac evaluation, including imaging such as transesophageal echocardiography.


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