Atheroembolism

Atheroembolism is an underdiagnosed and often preventable cause of acute arterial insufficiency. The patients suffering from atheroembolism require aggressive evaluation for a source of emboli and frequently surgical excision or exclusion of the source. The Keesler Air Force Base experience with atheroembolism over the past four years was reviewed. Fifteen patients representing 0.03 per cent of hospital admissions were diagnosed with atheroembolism. The embolic source as confirmed by arteriography was aortoiliac in eight patients (57%), femoropopliteal in six patients (43%), and unknown in one patient. Nine patients (60%) were treated surgically or with angioplasty. Three patients had toe amputations and one required a below-the-knee amputation. Only one death occurred that was secondary to unrelated disease.