Cerebral Fat Embolism: Neuroprotective Goals in an Unusual Cause of Altered Mental Status

Abstract

Cerebral fat embolism syndrome is a rare, but potentially lethal, complication that may arise from long bone fractures and/or orthopaedic surgery. Neurological symptoms are variable, and clinical diagnosis is difficult. We report the case of a 75-year-old woman who developed cerebral fat embolism four days after a right hip arthroplasty. Maintenance of intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP) within normal limits and cerebral tissue oxygenation monitoring (PbtO2) over 20 mmHg prevented secondary brain injury and resulted in a gradual improvement of the patient's sensorium. This case demonstrates that the use of ICP and PbtO2 monitoring defines optimal neuroprotective goals.