Pathophysiology-based Interpretation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Management of Cerebral Fat Embolism: Case Report and Review of Literature

ABSTRACT

Cerebral fat embolism (CFE) is a rare, albeit potentially lethal complication of long-bone fractures. All trauma patients who are initially lucid and subsequently experience mental status deterioration should undergo immediate evaluation of possible CFE. In the present case, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was the most sensitive technique for the diagnosis of CFE, particularly the use of diffusion-weighted images (DWI). The authors present this case to report a pathophysiology-based interpretation of the MR characteristics and treatment of CFE.