Cholesterol embolism: a heavy price to pay after successful fibrinolysis
Balestra, B.; Radaelli, A.; Noseda, G.
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift 124(45): 2046-2048
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-7672 PMID: 7973540 Document Number: 429073
We attribute a case of acute irreversible renal failure associated with "blue toe syndrome" and eosinophilia to a cholesterol embolism after "successful" treatment of myocardial infarction with fibrinolysis. This case shows that CE can be caused not only by invasive arterial procedures but also by thrombolytic as well as by anticoagulant treatment. In modern medicine, the importance of this often fatal but usually undetected systemic affection is increasing. For patients with serious atherosclerosis it is essential to analyze the risks and benefits before undertaking arterial invasive procedures or fibrinolysis.