Late-onset isolated cerebral fat embolism syndrome after a simple tibial plateau fracture: a rare case report

Abstract

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a complication of long bone fractures that often occurs within 72 hours of injury. Early-onset isolated cerebral fat embolism is catastrophic and rarely reported. We herein present a rare case of delayed-onset isolated cerebral FES that developed 10 days after definite fixation of a left tibial plateau fracture. A 70-year-old woman was injured in a traffic accident and diagnosed with a left tibial plateau fracture. However, she developed sudden loss of consciousness (E4V1M1) and quadriplegia 10 days after fracture fixation. Her vital signs showed no respiratory distress. Diagnosis of isolated cerebral FES was made based on magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, the findings of which were compatible with the clinical neurological findings. After supportive care and rehabilitation, her consciousness became clear on the second day of admission, and her consciousness changed to E4V5M6. She gradually regained strength in her right limbs but had residual left limb paraplegia. Isolated cerebral FES should always be considered for patients who develop a change in consciousness, even beyond 72 hours after injury. Imaging may not initially show definitive abnormalities. Repeated magnetic resonance imaging should be considered if the initial clinical presentation does not fully meet Gurd’s criteria.