Cholesterol crystal microembolization: a cause of the restless leg syndrome

The restless leg syndrome is characterized by unpleasant lower extremity nocturnal aching, muscle cramps, and restless shuffling. Although the cause remains unknown in the majority of cases, two instances are reported of the restless leg syndrome caused by peripheral cholesterol crystal microemboli. The syndrome caused by cholesterol microemboli and the syndromes of the restless leg are reviewed.