Disnea súbita después del terremoto

fat embolism syndrome (fes) remains a diagnostic challenge for physicians. it is commonly as associated with fractures of long bones and it is a major source of morbidity and mortality inpatients with multiple injuries. overall mortality is between 5-15% in all studies. these facts motivate us to present the case of a young woman suffering bone fractures in both legs during the earthquake in chile on february 27, 2010. she presented a fes 72 hours later. it is important to understand this syndrome, as it can be confused with other serious diseases that require different management. we should be able to have a high fes suspicion in the appropriate context, in as much as an early diagnosis, and treatment may improve the prognosis of this severe condition.