cholesterol embolism

The symptoms experienced in cholesterol embolism depend largely on the organ involved.

Findings on general investigations (such as blood tests) are not specific for cholesterol embolism, which makes diagnosis difficult.

Cholesterol embolism is treated by removing the cause and with supportive therapy; statin drugs have been found to improve the prognosis.

Atherosclerosis in the aorta and other large blood vessels is a common risk factor, both for thromboembolism and cholesterol embolism.

Cholesterol embolism - embolism of cholesterol, often from atherosclerotic plaque inside a vessel.

The vessel may also be affected by a dissection or rupture or causing cholesterol embolism from atherosclerotic plaques.

Cholesterol embolism (transiently)

These emboligenic disorders include atrial fibrillation, patent foramen ovale, endocarditis or cholesterol embolism.

Furthermore, cholesterol embolism may develop after the commencement of anticoagulants or thrombolytic medication that decrease blood clotting or dissolve blood clots, respectively.

Complement levels are frequently reduced in cholesterol embolism, limiting the use of this test in the distinction between vasculitis and cholesterol embolism.

The main problem is the distinction between cholesterol embolism and vasculitis (inflammation of the small blood vessels), which may cause very similar symptoms - especially the skin findings and the kidney dysfunction.