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J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2022; 83(03): 290-293
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1722967
Case Report

When Fat Hits the Brain: Intraventricular and Subarachnoid Fat Migration Secondary to a Complex Sacropelvic Fracture—Diagnosis and Treatment

Manolis Polemikos
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
,
Felix Kiepe
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
,
Shadi Al-Afif
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
,
Paul Bronzlik
2   Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Hannover Medical School, MHH, Hannover, Germany
,
Joachim K. Krauss
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Abstract

Massive migration of fat droplets in the ventricles and the subarachnoid space is a very rare sequel of spinal trauma. Owing to its rarity, knowledge about treatment and outcome remains limited. We report on the uncommon occurrence of massive subarachnoid and intraventricular fat dissemination in a 41-year-old man who suffered a complex sacropelvic fracture with spondylopelvic dissociation but who had no head injury. We show that early placement of an external ventricular drain with prolonged drainage for washout of the fat depots can prevent chronic hydrocephalus and subsequent shunt dependency.

Keywords

fat embolism - spine trauma - ventriculoperitoneal shunt


Publication History

Received: 07 April 2020

Accepted: 22 June 2020

Article published online:
22 February 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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