[Cholesterol-crystal embolization after PTCA. Case report and review of the literature].
METHODS
A 62-year-old male patient with depression after coronary intervention (PTCA) 4 weeks earlier.


METHODS
The patient developed insufficiency of liver and kidney as well as painful toe lesions. Some more symptoms were observed such as recurrent pulmonary edema, arterial hypertension, hardly responding to medical therapy, and severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The variety of symptoms and the progress of the disease were similar to a generalized vasculitis. Renal biopsy yielded the diagnosis of cholesterol-crystal embolization (CCE). After short-term remission, the patient died following prolonged and severe progression of the disease.


CONCLUSIONS
CCE is a rare disease with devastating outcome. Clinicians should be aware of the disease, especially with regard to an increasing number of coronary interventions in older patients.
Gerke
Roger
R
Abteilung Kardiologie und Pneumologie, Medizinische Klinik I, Sana-Klinikum Remscheid, Burgerstrasse 211, 42859, Remscheid. rogerke@t-online.de
Fahrenkrog
Ullrich
U
Löllgen
Herbert
H
D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D023921:Coronary Stenosis / Q000628:therapy*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017700:Embolism, Cholesterol / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007422:Intestines / Q000098:blood supply; D020766:Intracranial Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012077:Renal Artery; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000925:Anticoagulants