Fat Embolism Syndrome after Lower Extremity Fracture

Abstract

Introduction: Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a potentially lethal complication of long bone fractures and is commonly seen after femur fractures. The clinical manifestations of FES are as follows: petechiae, pulmonary dysfunction, mental status changes, tachycardia, fever, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. FES can result in multiorgan dysfunction such as that of the brain, skin, and lungs. In this case report, we present a rare case of FES after traumatic fracture of the tibia and fibula.Case Report: A 32-year-old male patient was admitted to our emergency department 18 h after a traffic accident. He was previously healthy and had no medical history. At initial examination, a right shoulder fracture and dislocation and left tibia and fibula open fractures were detected. Almost 2 h after admission, he started to complain of difficulty in breathing. At the same time, petechiae appeared on his chest wall. With these clinical features, FES was diagnosed.Conclusion: With the presentation of this case report, we aim to improve the awareness and knowledge of Emergency Physicians regarding FES, such that they might keep in mind the diagnosis of FES in patients admitted to emergency departments with a long bone fracture and respiratory impairment

Keywords

• Emergency department, fat embolism, trauma

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