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Updated: May 28, 2026

Cholesterol Efflux Assay
07:54

Cholesterol Efflux Assay

Published on: March 6, 2012

Cholesterol embolization syndrome

Muhamed Saric1, Itzhak Kronzon

  • 1Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York 10016, USA. muhamed.saric@nyumc.org

Current Opinion in Cardiology
|October 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Cholesterol embolization syndrome (CES) occurs when plaque embolizes, causing organ damage. Diagnosis relies on biopsy, and treatment focuses on supportive care and managing underlying atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Cholesterol embolization syndrome (CES), also known as atheroembolism, arises from the embolization of atherosclerotic plaque contents.
  • This condition leads to ischemic end-organ damage, affecting multiple organ systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review cholesterol embolization syndrome (CES).
  • To detail its risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and current treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on cholesterol embolization syndrome.
  • Analysis of clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

  • CES presents with constitutional symptoms, systemic inflammation, and specific signs like livedo reticularis and blue-toe syndrome.
  • Diagnosis is confirmed via organ biopsy; no specific laboratory test exists.
  • Hollenhorst plaques on retinal exam can support the diagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • Currently, no specific diagnostic test beyond biopsy is available for CES.
  • Effective treatments for CES itself are still under development.
  • Management involves supportive care and addressing underlying atherosclerosis and arterial ischemia.
Abstract

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