Recurrent Cerebral Fat Embolism Due to Pleural Irrigation: Fat Density Lesions on CT

Abstract

Fat embolism syndrome is a rare, but life-threatening problem and is usually associated with severe trauma. Neurological symptoms are variable, and the clinical diagnosis is difficult. We describe a patient with fat density lesions on cranial CT sections and discuss the etiopathogenesis of cerebral fat embolism (CFE) in this patient who does not have a history of long bone fracture, but metastatic lung disease and empyema. This is probably the first case report of CFE secondary to pleural irrigation of empyema with demonstrative CT findings.