Cerebral fat embolism: usefulness of magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Ann Neurol. 2005 Mar;57(3):434-9. doi: 10.1002/ana.20388.

Abstract

We report a case of cerebral fat embolism which occurred in a 33-year-old man after a diaphyseal femoral fracture without cranial traumatism. The initial examination showed an incomplete picture of coma with tetrapyramidal syndrome and cutaneomucous purpura. There was no respiratory damage. We present a magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis of the cerebral lesions observed in the initial phase of the embolism, as well as follow-up, which has strengthened the clinical and imaging features for the diagnosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aspartic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Aspartic Acid / metabolism
  • Brain Mapping
  • Choline / metabolism
  • Embolism, Fat / diagnosis*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Embolism / diagnosis*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Male

Substances

  • Aspartic Acid
  • N-acetylaspartate
  • Choline