Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 14, 2026

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy with Indocyanine Green Fluorescence: Choledochoscopic Stone Extraction and Primary Duct Suture
Published on: November 25, 2025
[Cholesterol crystal embolization following urinary diversion: a case report].
Shohei Fujikawa1, Ryo Iguchi1, Tetsuya Noguchi1
1The Department of Urology, Shizuoka City Shizuoka Hospital.
This case report describes a patient who developed cholesterol crystal embolization (CCE) after undergoing urinary diversion surgery. The patient had multiple health issues and was undergoing treatment for bladder cancer. Following the procedure, he developed blood clots and skin changes consistent with CCE. Despite treatment, he rapidly declined and died from multiple organ failure. An autopsy confirmed cholesterol crystals in his foot tissue. The case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and careful management of suspected CCE cases.
Area of Science:
- Vascular pathology in clinical medicine
- Urological surgery outcomes research
- Cardiovascular complications in geriatric care
Background:
Cholesterol crystal embolization (CCE) is a rare but severe condition linked to systemic embolization of cholesterol crystals. Prior research has shown that CCE typically occurs after invasive procedures affecting the vascular system. It was already known that CCE can lead to multiorgan failure and poor patient outcomes. No prior work had resolved the specific mechanisms linking urinary diversion to CCE. This gap motivated a closer examination of postoperative complications following urological interventions. That uncertainty drove the need to explore how vascular trauma might trigger cholesterol embolization. The condition remains poorly understood in the context of urological surgery. This case report contributes to identifying potential risk factors and diagnostic approaches.
Purpose Of The Study:
This case aimed to investigate the occurrence of CCE following urinary diversion in an elderly patient with multiple comorbidities. The specific problem was the sudden development of thromboembolism and subsequent organ failure after a urological procedure. The motivation stemmed from the lack of clear guidelines for diagnosing CCE in postoperative settings. The goal was to document the clinical course and autopsy findings to improve recognition of the condition. The researchers proposed that early diagnosis and treatment adjustments could influence outcomes. The study focused on the interplay between vascular trauma and cholesterol embolization. It sought to clarify the sequence of events leading to multiorgan failure. The findings may help refine diagnostic criteria and management strategies.
Main Methods:
The study involved a detailed clinical and postmortem analysis of a single patient. The patient's medical history and surgical procedure were reviewed for relevant risk factors. Clinical observations included skin changes and systemic symptoms consistent with CCE. Laboratory data were collected to assess organ function and embolization markers. Autopsy findings were used to confirm the presence of cholesterol crystals in peripheral tissues. The researchers used histopathological examination to identify emboli in the foot skin. They compared clinical signs with autopsy results to establish a causal link. The case was analyzed to highlight diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in CCE.
Main Results:
The patient developed thromboembolism in the left lower leg following urinary diversion. Livedo reticularis and cyanosis of the toes were observed within 24 hours of the procedure. Laboratory tests revealed acute renal dysfunction, prompting hemodialysis initiation. The patient's condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to multiple organ failure. Autopsy confirmed diffuse aortic atherosclerosis and cholesterol crystal emboli in the foot skin. The diagnosis of CCE was established based on clinical and pathological findings. The researchers propose that tissue examination is critical for early diagnosis. These results suggest that anticoagulant therapy may worsen outcomes in suspected CCE.
Conclusions:
The authors suggest that CCE should be considered in patients with postoperative vascular complications. They propose that tissue biopsy and discontinuation of anticoagulants may improve outcomes. The findings indicate that CCE can follow urological procedures in high-risk patients. The researchers suggest that diagnostic delays may contribute to poor prognosis. They propose that early recognition of skin changes and renal failure is important. The case highlights the need for increased awareness of CCE in clinical practice. The authors suggest that multidisciplinary approaches may be necessary for management. These conclusions are based on the clinical and pathological evidence presented.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main outcome is multiple organ failure, as seen in this case where the patient died within three days of symptom onset.
Autopsy findings confirmed cholesterol crystal emboli in the skin of the left foot.
The authors suggest that anticoagulants may worsen outcomes by increasing embolization risk in CCE.
Livedo reticularis and cyanosis of the toes were observed, along with acute renal failure.
Diffuse aortic atherosclerosis was found at autopsy, suggesting a predisposing condition for cholesterol embolization.
The authors propose that tissue examination and stopping anticoagulants may be preferred when CCE is suspected.