Intracranial subarachnoid fat and hemorrhage secondary to sacral fracture with spondylopelvic dissociation

We describe a case of fat droplets and blood in the cerebral subarachnoid space secondary in a patient with a complex sacral fracture without associated cranial trauma, a few days after admission. To our knowledge, there is only one published case with similar findings and without any other underlying lesion as cause. We explain the differences in the mechanism of production between this direct fat embolism and brain fat embolism syndrome, which is an intravascular embolism with different radiological appearance. The most important features of sacral fracture with spondylopelvic dissociation are described. Finally, this entity should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of the few causes of fat in the subarachnoid space. In the context of high-energy trauma fractures of the sacrum or spine must be ruled out as a potential cause of this uncommon intracranial finding.

Hematologic neoplasms: Interpreting lung findings in chest computed tomography

Lung disease is very common in patients with hematologic neoplasms and varies in function of the underlying disease and its treatment. Lung involvement is associated with high morbidity and mortality, so it requires early appropriate treatment. Chest computed tomography (CT) and the analysis of biologic specimens are the first line diagnostic tools in these patients, and sometimes invasive methods are necessary. Interpreting the images requires an analysis of the clinical context, which is often complex. Starting from the knowledge about the differential diagnosis of lung findings that radiologists acquire during training, this article aims to explain the key clinical and radiological aspects that make it possible to orient the diagnosis correctly and to understand the current role of CT in the treatment strategy for this group of patients.

Hematologic neoplasms: interpreting lung findings in chest computed tomography

La patología pulmonar en la historia de un paciente con neoplasia hematológica es muy frecuente y variable en función de la enfermedad de base y la terapia recibida. La morbimortalidad asociada es alta, por lo que requiere un tratamiento correcto y precoz. La tomografía computarizada (TC) torácica, junto con el análisis de muestras biológicas, son las herramientas de diagnóstico de primera línea empleadas en estos pacientes, y en determinados casos se requieren métodos invasivos. La interpretación de las imágenes exige el análisis de un contexto clínico en muchas ocasiones complejo. Partiendo del conocimiento que adquiere el radiólogo en su formación sobre el diagnóstico diferencial de los hallazgos pulmonares, el objetivo de este trabajo es explicar los aspectos clínicos y radiológicos claves que permiten orientar correctamente el diagnóstico y asimilar el papel actual de la TC en la estrategia terapéutica de este grupo de enfermos.