Citation

Stein L, Herold R, Austin A, Beer W. J. Emerg. Med. 2016; 50(5): e223-6.

Affiliation

Department of Emergency Medicine, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.01.030

PMID

26924510

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. CASE REPORT: 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.

Language: en