title: Fat Emboli Syndrome in a Child with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy After Minor Trauma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fat embolism syndrome is the result of systemic manifestations of fat emboli in the microcirculation. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a condition that increases the risk of fracture resulting in fat emboli.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe a patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who exhibited cardiopulmonary, neurologic, and ophthalmologic sequelae consistent with fat emboli syndrome after minor trauma. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Fat embolism syndrome is a rare but important consideration with significant morbidity and risk of mortality in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy after even minor trauma. Early recognition and aggressive resuscitation are crucial to positive clinical outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California.
authors.forename: Loretta
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Herold
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Austin
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Beer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004620:Embolism, Fat / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020388:Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology
keywords: Duchenne muscular dystrophy; fat embolism syndrome; fat microglobulinemia; pediatrics; tibial plateau fracture