Fulminant cerebral fat embolism syndrome initially sparing the lungs after long-bone fractures: a case report of refractory status epilepticus - Takeaways - MDSpire

Fulminant cerebral fat embolism syndrome initially sparing the lungs after long-bone fractures: a case report of refractory status epilepticus

  • By

  • Jian Lan

  • Xingdong Li

  • Xuesheng Jian

  • Qiang Zhong

  • Xijiang Zhang

  • Cheng Zheng

  • July 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Cerebral fat embolism syndrome (CFES) can occur without initial pulmonary involvement, complicating diagnosis and management.

  • 2

    A 23-year-old man developed CFES after multiple long-bone fractures, with preserved oxygenation and normal early imaging.

  • 3

    Neurological deterioration occurred 12 hours post-injury, leading to seizures and respiratory failure attributed to aspiration.

  • 4

    Brain MRI revealed a characteristic 'starfield' pattern, indicating widespread cerebral microembolization.

  • 5

    Despite treatment, the patient experienced refractory status epilepticus and severe disorder of consciousness at 15 months.

Original Source(s)

Fulminant cerebral fat embolism syndrome initially sparing the lungs after long-bone fractures: a case report of refractory status epilepticus

  • by Jian Lan, Xingdong Li, Xuesheng Jian, Qiang Zhong, Xijiang Zhang, Cheng Zheng

  • July 1, 2026

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