A 30-year-old woman fractured her leg, and a few days later developed a diffuse petechial rash in the nondependent areas of the body. She was short of breath and had minor neurologic symptoms. Laboratory studies showed thrombocytopenia. These findings are most consistent with

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Rash in nondependent areas of the body following fracture of major bones, especially if associated with thrombocytopenia, is suggestive of fat embolism. Shortness of breath is indicative of pulmonary embolization, and neurologic symptoms suggest that the emboli have passed through the lungs and entered the cerebral vessels.

A 30-Year-Old Woman Fractured Her Leg, and a Few Days