Fat Emboli Syndrome in a Child with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy After Minor Trauma

Publication date: May 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine, Volume 50, Issue 5
Author(s): Loretta Stein, Richard Herold, Andrea Austin, William Beer
BackgroundFat 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 ReportWe 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.



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