Cholesterol embolisation. A lethal complication of instrumentation of an aneurysmal aorta: a case report
Geroulakos, G.; Homer-Vanniasinkam, S.; Wilkinson, A.; Galloway, I.
International Angiology a Journal of the International Union of Angiology 16(1): 69-71
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-9590 PMID: 9165362 Document Number: 473987
A case of cholesterol embolization (CE) following instrumentation of an aneurysmal aorta is presented. The patient developed myalgias, livedo reticularis in the buttocks, suprapubic area and legs, that progressed to patchy gangrene and renal failure. Maximum conservative management including heparin, iloprost and haemodialysis was ineffective, in keeping with previous reports that there is no known therapy for CE. The aetiology, presentation, treatment and prognosis of this condition is discussed. With the ever increasing use of endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms, this complication may be more frequently encountered.