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Systemic cholesterol crystal embolisation with pulmonary involvement: a fatal combination after coronary angiography
T J Walton1, N J Samani, R Andrews
1Cardiology Department, County Hospital, Greetwell Road, Lincoln LN2 5QY, UK.
Insights
Cholesterol crystal embolisation (CCE) is a rare but serious complication of arterial procedures. This case highlights fatal CCE with rare lung involvement, emphasizing its invariably fatal outcome.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Cholesterol crystal embolisation (CCE) is a rare but severe complication following invasive arterial procedures.
- It typically presents as a multisystem disorder affecting kidneys and peripheries, with infrequent lung involvement.
Observation:
- This report details a fatal case of CCE with significant pulmonary involvement.
- A review of similar published cases was conducted.
Findings:
- Pulmonary involvement in CCE, though rare, is associated with a invariably fatal prognosis.
- The pathogenesis of lung involvement in CCE remains unclear.
Implications:
- Medical professionals performing invasive vascular procedures must be aware of CCE as a potential complication.
- The high mortality associated with CCE, particularly with lung involvement, underscores the need for vigilance and further research into its pathogenesis.
Abstract:
Cholesterol crystal embolisation (CCE) is a rare but serious complication of invasive arterial procedures associated with a high mortality, and is a condition that medical staff undertaking invasive vascular procedures should be aware of. It is manifest as a multisystem disorder commonly involving the kidneys and peripheries, but rarely affecting the lungs. A case of fatal CCE with pulmonary involvement is reported, and similar published case reports are reviewed. The pathogenesis of lung involvement in CCE is unclear, but the combination is reported to be invariably fatal.