Abstract

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a rare syndrome caused by embolization of fat particles into multiple organs including the brain (Cerebral Fat Embolism Syndrome), that can manifest itself in multiple ways, ranging from asymptomatic presentation to respiratory failure, neurocognitive deficits, and death. It typically manifests with petechial rash, deteriorating mental status, and progressive respiratory insufficiency, usually occurring within 24–48 h of trauma with long-bone fractures or an orthopedic surgery.
We present the case of a 30-year-old otherwise healthy man with an isolated femoral and radius fracture who developed signs of cerebral fat embolism syndrome (CFES) within 8 hours of injury and prior to any operative treatment.

Key words: Fat Embolism Syndrome, Cerebral Fat Embolism Syndrome, Magnetic resonance imagin, Star field pattern