Question

A male patient sustains a road traffic accident with closed midshaft fractures of the femur and tibia. Two days later, he develops breathlessness, tachycardia, and petechial rash on the chest and conjunctiva. What is the most probable diagnosis?

• A. Disseminated intravascular coagulation
• B. Fat embolism syndrome
• C. Pulmonary embolism
• D. Sepsis

Hint:

Long bone fracture followed by breathlessness and petechial rash after 24--72 hours = fat embolism syndrome.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Fat embolism syndrome occurs after long bone fractures, especially femur fractures. It classically presents after 24--72 hours with respiratory distress, neurological signs, and petechial rash.

Step 1: Identify the trigger.
The patient has femur and tibia fractures after trauma. Long bone fractures are a major risk factor.

Step 2: Identify the classic triad.
Fat embolism syndrome presents with: \[ \text{Respiratory distress + neurological symptoms + petechial rash} \]

Step 3: Match the timing.
Symptoms developing two days after trauma strongly support fat embolism syndrome. Therefore, the correct answer is Fat embolism syndrome.