CTICasesCerebral Fat Embolism Post VSD Closure
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Imaging findings
Following elective VSD closure, a 19-year-old female developed profound left-sided hemiparesis. Non-contrast CT brain revealed a large right middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory infarct and a hypodense, fat-attenuation lesion within the proximal MCA. Subsequent CTA confirmed a filling defect, consistent with fat embolism.
Key takeaways
Cerebral fat embolism is a rare but devastating complication of cardiac surgery, potentially leading to severe neurological deficits. Early recognition of hypodense fat within cerebral vessels on non-contrast CT is crucial. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are critical, although patient outcomes can remain poor due to the extensive infarction.
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