[Case of cholesterol xanthomatous pericarditis with an unusual pathogenesis]

Exudative cholesterol xanthomatous pericarditis was found at autopsy of a patient aged 57 who had suffered from the edematous form of thrombophlebitis of the deep crural veins complicated by thromboses of the iliac veins, vena cava inferior, recurring thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery, and pulmonary infarctions. The clinical picture of the main disease was interpreted as cardiac failure; numerous thromboembolic episodes were regarded as myocardial infarctions. The presence of cholesterol crystals in the exudate indicated a prolonged course of pericarditis. Laboratory findings confirmed the aseptic allergic genesis of pericarditis.