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Published on: November 4, 2021
Atheromatous embolization
Yin Ping Liew1, John R Bartholomew
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Section of Vascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
Insights
Atheromatous embolization, a complication of advanced atherosclerosis, often goes unrecognized but can cause severe organ damage. Early diagnosis and aggressive management are crucial for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vascular Biology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Atheromatous embolization is a multisystem disease linked to advanced atherosclerosis.
- It frequently complicates procedures like angiography, endovascular interventions, and cardiovascular surgery.
- This condition can present subtly or with severe consequences, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and acute renal failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the under-recognized nature of atheromatous embolization.
- To emphasize the importance of high clinical suspicion for timely diagnosis.
- To discuss management strategies for improving clinical outcomes and preventing end-organ damage.
Main Methods:
- Clinical review of atheromatous embolization.
- Analysis of presentation, diagnosis, and management strategies.
- Discussion of risk factors and expected increase in prevalence.
Main Results:
- Atheromatous embolization is often underdiagnosed due to its subtle presentation and mimicry of other diseases.
- High clinical suspicion is essential for diagnosis.
- Significant morbidity and mortality are associated with this condition.
Conclusions:
- Early recognition and aggressive management of atheromatous embolization are vital to prevent end-organ damage.
- Management includes risk factor modification, avoiding predisposing factors, supportive care, and source removal.
- The prevalence of atheromatous embolization is projected to rise with aging populations and increasing rates of diabetes and obesity.
Abstract:
Atheromatous embolization is a multisystem disease complicating advanced atherosclerosis. It occurs most often as a complication of angiography, an endovascular procedure or cardiovascular surgery. Atheromatous embolization can present in a subtle manner where it is often under-recognized, or with catastrophic results including myocardial infarction, strake or acute renal failure. It may mimic other disease processes and often goes underdiagnosed and undertreated. A high clinical suspicion is the key to diagnosis. Atheromatous embolization results in significant morbidity and mortality; therefore, early recognition followed by aggressive management may help to prevent end-organ damage and improve overall clinical outcomes. Management strategies should include risk factor modification, prevention of further insults by discontinuing or avoiding predisposing factors, supportive treatment and interventional or surgical approaches to remove the atheroembolic source. Atheromatous embolization is expected to increase as our population ages and the epidemics of diabetes mellitus and obesity increase.
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