[Neurologic manifestations of fat embolism].

Neurologic manifestations are usual and variable during post-traumatic fat embolism. The pathogenesis of these lesions continues to be a source of considerable controversy. Thirteen cases of post-traumatic fat embolism with neurologic signs were treated in a surgical intensive care unit. All patients had impaired consciousness. Focal neurologic disorders were reported in 5 cases [hemiplegia (2), tetraplegia (2), aphasia (1)]. The aspects on brain CT scan seemed to be related to ischemic lesions (1 case), appeared normal in ten cases, or revealed post-traumatic hemorrhagic lesions (2 cases). The outcome at 2-4 weeks was spontaneously good, with complete resolution, without neurologic sequellae, in 11/13 patients. Two deaths were related to brain trauma severity (one case) and nosocomial pneumonia (one case).