A case of cholesterol embolism confirmed by skin biopsy and successfully treated with statins and steroids.

Abstract

Although cholesterol embolism syndrome was recognized as a clinicopathologic entity more than 50 years ago, it is attracting growing attention recently. It is a multisystemic disorder in which cholesterol crystals released from atherosclerotic plaques obstruct small arterioles, resulting in local ischemia and end-organ damage. There are no established treatments, and with the limited treatment options available, it is important to make the diagnosis as early as possible. We present the case of a 68-year-old man with cholesterol embolism who had a few fluttering atheromas in the aorta, as demonstrated by transesophageal ultrasonography. The diagnosis was confirmed by skin biopsy, and treatment with statins and steroids proved effective, as renal failure progressively improved. This case emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and shows the possible therapeutic effects of statins and steroids for patients with this syndrome.

• Authors: Takayoshi Matsumura, Akihiro Matsumoto, Minoru Ohno, Shinya Suzuki, Miki Ohta, Etsu Suzuki, Katsu Takenaka, Yasunobu Hirata, Toshiro Fujita, Ryozo Nagai
• Journal: The American journal of the medical sciences (Am J Med Sci) Vol. 331 Issue 5 Pg. 280-3 (May 2006) ISSN: 0002-9629 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16702800 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Heptanoic Acids
• Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
• Pyrroles
• Steroids
• Prednisolone
• Atorvastatin
• Simvastatin

Topics

• Aged
• Atorvastatin
• Biopsy
• Blue Toe Syndrome (diagnosis, drug therapy, pathology)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Embolism, Cholesterol (diagnosis, drug therapy, pathology)
• Heptanoic Acids (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Prednisolone (therapeutic use)
• Pyrroles (therapeutic use)
• Simvastatin (therapeutic use)
• Skin (drug effects, pathology)
• Skin Diseases, Vascular (diagnosis, pathology)
• Steroids (therapeutic use)