Cholesterol crystal embolization: an atherosclerotic disease with frequent and varied cutaneous manifestations

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2003 Sep;17(5):504-11. doi: 10.1046/j.1468-3083.2003.00710.x.

Abstract

In this paper the basic pathogenesis of cholesterol crystal embolization (CCE) is described, its clinical characteristics are presented and diagnosis and therapy are discussed. The main focus will be on the cutaneous manifestations; however, considering that CCE is a systemic illness, findings in other organs will also be highlighted, particularly the commonly involved renal and gastrointestinal systems.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Arteriosclerosis / diagnosis*
  • Arteriosclerosis / mortality
  • Arteriosclerosis / physiopathology
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Cause of Death*
  • Crystallization
  • Embolism, Cholesterol / diagnosis*
  • Embolism, Cholesterol / drug therapy
  • Embolism, Cholesterol / mortality*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Skin Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Skin Diseases / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases / physiopathology
  • Survival Rate
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Hypolipidemic Agents