Challenges in Differentiating Fat Embolism Syndrome and Local Anesthetic Toxicity: A Case Report

Abstract

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a rare but life-threatening condition often associated with long bone fractures, particularly femoral fractures. It typically manifests within 24–72 hours post-injury, presenting with a combination of neurological, pulmonary, dermatological, and hematological symptoms. This case report describes a 48-year-old male who sustained a femoral fracture in a work-related accident and subsequently developed FES during perioperative management. Despite aggressive interventions, including mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic support, and lipid emulsion therapy, the patient’s condition deteriorated, leading to cardiac arrest and death. The case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of FES, emphasizing the need for early recognition, multidisciplinary management, and advanced diagnostic tools. The possibility of inadvertent intrathecal administration of an incorrect drug or local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) further complicates the diagnosis, underscoring the importance of meticulous documentation and verification of administered medications. This report aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence necessary to address these significant research gaps and advance patient care in high-risk perioperative scenarios.