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Atheromatous embolization precipitated by oral anticoagulants.

Five patients with a "blue or purple" toe syndrome due to atheromatous embolization probably precipitated by oral anticoagulant therapy are reported. In four, the symptoms started a few weeks after initiation of oral anticoagulants and in the fifth they were clearly aggravated by coumarinic drugs. Prior to anticoagulation, one patient had received a course of thrombolytic therapy and two had undergone an arterial catherization without embolic events. A diagnostic arteriography performed in four patients caused no new symptoms. All patients had advanced atherosclerosis. A shaggy aorta and/or pelvic arteries were found in four and in the fifth a highly stenotic femoral lesion appeared the source of peripheral embolization. Oral anticoagulants were interrupted in all five and four underwent reconstructive vascular surgery to eradicate the nidus of atheromatous emboli. One died postoperatively from multiple organ failure. The poor condition of the fifth patient precluded aorto-iliac surgery. No new episodes of embolization occurred and the symptoms disappeared, although one patient needed a toe amputation for a skin lesion that had proceeded to gangrene. The possible role of anticoagulant drugs in precipitating atheromatous embolization is discussed and the importance of recognizing the syndrome is emphasized.

Aged↗

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

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.

Aged↗

Changing patterns of atheroembolism.

Among 1011 patients undergoing infrarenal aortic and infrainguinal vascular surgery in a 90-month period (1986-1993), 29 patients (2.9%) with clinical, angiographic and pathologic evidence of atheroembolism were identified. Over one-third (44.8%) of atheroemboli were iatrogenic and the rest spontaneous. All iatrogenic atheroemboli were precipitated by angiographic (n = 11; 84.6%) or operative manipulation (n = 2; 15.4%). The sources of emboli were in the abdominal arota (16), iliac (seven) and femoropopliteal (six) arteries. 'Trash foot' occurred in 19 patients (seven bilateral) and occlusions of tibioperoneal/digital arteries were seen in seven, renal and dermal microcirculation in two each, and calf muscles in one. Larger conduits were affected in three instances (common femoral, popliteal and in situ saphenous vein graft). The management consisted of 54 (43 surgical and 11 endovascular) procedures concurrently with thrombolytic, anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy. Three early (10.3%) and two late (6.9%) deaths (overall mortality rate 17.2%), eight major (27.6%) and five minor (17.2%) amputations, and four (13.8%) instances of renal failure occurred in 17 patients resulting in a 58.6% complication rate. Besides initial angiography, 53 invasive procedures were required in 25 patients. Among these, 12 patients could be managed with a single definitive procedure in contrast to a group of 13 patients that required 41 (average 3.2 per patient) procedures. The incidence of foot ischemia, reoperation and amputation was higher in the spontaneous group, whereas, the iatrogenic group incurred a higher incidence of endovascular interventions, greater mortality and new onset renal failure. The high morbidity and mortality of atheroemboli demand prompt recognition and treatment, as well as attempts at prevention to achieve good results.

Adult↗

Cholesterol crystal embolization (CCE) after cardiac catheterization: a case report and a review of 36 cases in the Japanese literature.

Cholesterol crystal embolization (CCE) is a complication of atherosclerosis. A 67-year-old Japanese man underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. After the surgery, he underwent coronary angiography via the right femoral artery. Twelve days later, he suddenly developed acalculous cholecystitis and was treated with antibiotics. Gradual deterioration in renal function, purplish discoloration of the distal portion of his toes, and eosinophilia were noted. We performed a skin biopsy and made a diagnosis of CCE. Cilostazol and intravenous heparin improved the symptoms and decreased the creatinine level. We retrospectively studied the clinical features of 36 cases registered with a diagnosis of CCE in the Japanese literature.

Aged↗

Multiple spontaneous small bowel perforations due to systemic cholesterol atheromatous embolism.

A-65-year-old man was admitted for coronary and peripheral angiography to evaluate angina pectoris and peripheral vascular disease. Following angiography, he suffered from blue toes, livedo reticularis and progressive renal failure. The patient's condition continued to deteriorate, including the development of malnutrition. Four months later he suddenly developed panperitonitis, went into shock and died. The autopsy verified multiple perforations of the small bowel with disseminated cholesterol atheromatous embolism. The other organs including kidney were also invaded by atheroembolism. This was a rare case of multiple spontaneous perforations of small bowel due to systemic cholesterol atheromatous embolism.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

The difficulties of differentiating vasculitis from its mimics.

The signs and symptoms of vasculitis are not specific, and tests for confirming the diagnosis can be misleading. Thus, when considering a diagnosis of vasculitis, physicians need to keep an open mind. With a case vignette, the author illustrates some of the difficulties in diagnosing "vasculitis."

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