[Unclear altered mental state and respiratory insufficiency following multiple injuries: fat embolism syndrome].
Fat embolism syndrome is associated with respiratory failure, hypoxia, petechial rash, pyrexia and altered mental state. Signs and symptoms usually begin within 12-72 h after trauma. The pathophysiology, differential diagnosis and therapeutic options of fat embolism syndrome are described and the case of a 29-year-old motorcyclist with fractures of the lower extremities, coma and respiratory failure 24-36 h after an accident is reported. Based on the clinical signs and course, fat embolism syndrome was suspected which was substantiated by ophthalmic fundoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging of the head.
Schott
M
M
Klinik für Anaesthesiologie, Intensivmedizin und Schmerztherapie, Krankenhaus Nordstadt, Klinikum Region Hannover, Haltenhoffstr. 41, 30167 Hannover, Deutschland. martin.schott@germanynet.de
Thürmer
G
G
Jantzen
J-P
JP
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D003128:Coma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004620:Embolism, Fat / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009049:Motorcycles; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology