Fatal Fat Embolism in a 13-Year-Old Child. A Case Report

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) refers to a set of neurological, pulmonary, and systemic manifestations resulting from the obstruction of pulmonary and systemic vessels by fat emboli. It is a severe and rare condition in pediatric patients. Diagnosis remains challenging due to its highly variable clinical presentation. FES commonly occurs following long bone fractures, and its diagnosis is primarily based on clinical criteria. We report the case of a 13- year-old boy who sustained multiple injuries in a road traffic accident and was admitted to the medical-surgical emergency department. He presented with rib fractures, a fracture of the ulnar shaft, and a fracture of the greater trochanter with hip dislocation. Despite initial stabilization, the patient developed acute respiratory and neurological symptoms and died as a result of fat embolism syndrome.