Fatal Fat Embolism Syndrome Without Recognized Fracture in Patients With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Two Case Reports.

BACKGROUND

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is an uncommon cause of sudden death in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), typically following identifiable fractures.

METHODS

We present two cases of sudden fatal FES in the setting of DMD without clinically recognized trauma or fracture. The first was a 7-year-old boy who had autism spectrum disorder and who also had sudden death after collapsing at home following a walk with no recognized trauma. The second was a 23-year-old man who developed sudden respiratory failure without preceding illness or injury that progressed to shock and subsequent death.

RESULTS

Autopsy in both cases revealed extensive fat emboli in the microvasculature in multiple organs.

CONCLUSIONS

These cases underscore the risk of FES in patients with DMD without apparent preceding injury.