Cholesterol crystal embolization: skin manifestation, gastrointestinal and central nervous symptom treated with corticosteroid

J Dermatol. 2005 Apr;32(4):295-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1346-8138.2005.tb00766.x.

Abstract

Cholesterol crystal embolization (CCE) is characterized by tissue ischemia secondary to occlusion of small arteries. It may occur spontaneously but more often follows radiological interventional procedures or vascular surgery. This systemic disease affects multiple organs, including skin, kidney, brain, eye, and gastrointestinal tract. We reported a Japanese male CCE patient with cutaneous manifestations of livedo reticularis, diarrhea, clouding of consciousness, and acute renal failure. Histopathological examination demonstrated multiple biconvex clefts in a vessel of the subcutis. Corticosteroid administration improved his consciousness, diarrhea and skin lesions. Awareness of the skin manifestations of CCE is essential for dermatologists to make an early diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Aged
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Crystallization
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Embolism, Cholesterol / complications
  • Embolism, Cholesterol / diagnosis*
  • Embolism, Cholesterol / drug therapy
  • Embolism, Cholesterol / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myocardial Infarction / complications
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Renal Insufficiency / complications
  • Renal Insufficiency / diagnosis*
  • Renal Insufficiency / drug therapy
  • Renal Insufficiency / pathology
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / complications
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / diagnosis*
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / pathology
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Prednisolone