title: Contrast-enhanced MR imaging of cerebral fat embolism: case report and review of the literature.
abstract: We report a case of cerebral fat embolism (CFE) that was imaged with T2- and T2*-weighted, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images. Multiple white matter lesions demonstrated contrast enhancement, with little evidence of hemorrhage. The patient regained complete neurologic function. CFE can cause capillary inflammation and breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, without associated hemorrhage or permanent neurologic deficit. In this case, both contrast-enhanced T1-weighted and gradient-echo T2*-weighted images were important in diagnosing CFE and in determining the severity of the patient's condition.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Simon
authors.forename: John L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Ulmer
authors.forename: James M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Strottmann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016477:Artifacts; D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier / Q000502:physiology; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000175:diagnosis; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004620:Embolism, Fat / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D020766:Intracranial Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media