The Radiology Partners (RP) Neuroradiology National Subspecialty Division (NSD) presents our newest Rad to Rad Learning case.
Peer Learning Opportunity
Without typical MRI findings Cerebral Fat Embolism can be clinically misdiagnosed as a conventional large vessel stroke or seizure in SCD.
Numerous confluent white matter microinfarcts (Starfield-pattern) and petechial microhemorrhages.
Shared to improve patient safety and healthcare delivery in the provision of radiology services. The circumstances and facts are changed, altered, or deidentified to preserve confidentiality. Privileges have not been waived.
Practical Insights
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- Occurs in <1% of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)
- Fat globules released due to bone infarcts secondary to vaso-occlusion rather than fracture.
- History, distribution of lesions and white matter involvement differentiates from DAI and septic or cardiogenic emboli.
- 90% of patients recover, but may develop atrophy.
Takeaway: History and MR appearance are crucial for diagnosis.
Takeaway: History and MR appearance are crucial for diagnosis.The Neuroradiology National Subspecialty Division (NSD) is part of RP’s Clinical Value Team, which works to elevate patient care and enhance value through innovation, collaboration and education. To advance this goal, our radiologists and advanced practice providers are committed to sharing peer learning as valuable reminders and insights about what we encounter in our day-to-day practice. Check back here and on X, LinkedIn and Instagram to see these common cases and our findings.
Visit the Clinical Resources page for more cases and to see what we’ve developed to enhance best practice recommendations, elevate image quality and patient care and update current standards throughout RP’s network of practices, all to deliver excellent radiology services to patients, referring clinicians and client partners.
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