Spontaneous cholesterol embolisation causing acute renal failure

Clin Exp Nephrol. 2007 Sep;11(3):235-237. doi: 10.1007/s10157-007-0482-7. Epub 2007 Sep 28.

Abstract

We present a case of true spontaneous cholesterol embolisation causing acute renal failure. There was no history of vascular procedural interventions or thrombolytic therapy prior to her presentation, but the patient did have a history of difficult hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. This case highlights the importance of remembering cholesterol embolisation as a potential cause of acute renal failure despite no apparent precipitant, especially with the presence of unexplained eosinophilia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / etiology*
  • Acute Kidney Injury / pathology
  • Aged
  • Arteries / pathology
  • Atherosclerosis / complications
  • Embolism, Cholesterol / complications*
  • Embolism, Cholesterol / pathology
  • Eosinophilia / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypercholesterolemia / complications
  • Kidney / blood supply
  • Kidney / pathology