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
