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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
08:18
High-throughput Nitrobenzoxadiazole-labeled Cholesterol Efflux Assay
Published on: January 7, 2019
Cholesterol embolism: still an unrecognized entity with a high mortality rate
Anna Jucgla1, Francesc Moreso, Cristina Muniesa
1Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, University of Barcelona, Spain. ajucgla@csub.scs.es
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|October 21, 2006
Summary
Cholesterol embolism (CE) is often underdiagnosed. Skin lesions and renal failure are common, with chronic renal failure being a key predictor of mortality in patients with atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Dermatology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Cholesterol embolism (CE) is an increasingly recognized yet frequently underdiagnosed condition.
- Early identification of clinical signs is crucial for accurate diagnosis of CE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the clinical features of cholesterol embolism.
- To identify risk factors associated with a fatal outcome in CE patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical records for patients with confirmed CE.
- Data collected from January 1993 to March 2003.
Main Results:
- Twenty-six male patients (mean age 64) with atherosclerosis and CE were identified.
- Cutaneous lesions (88%) and renal failure (73%) were the most frequent manifestations.
- Mortality was 58%, with chronic renal failure being the sole predictor of death (RR 4.54).
Conclusions:
- Cholesterol embolism is often misdiagnosed, with skin lesions being the most common sign.
- Skin biopsy is valuable for histological confirmation of CE.
- Chronic renal failure is a significant risk factor for mortality in CE.
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