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Cholesterol Efflux Assay
07:54

Cholesterol Efflux Assay

Published on: March 6, 2012

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An Unusual Presentation of Cholesterol Embolization Syndrome

Basel Abdelazeem1, Sarah Ayad2, Abdul-Fatawu Osman3

  • 1Internal Medicine, McLaren Health Care/Flint/MSU, Flint, USA.

Cureus
|September 20, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Cholesterol embolization syndrome (CES) can cause kidney failure (atheroembolic renal disease), even without prior procedures. This rare condition, CES, requires consideration in high-risk patients presenting with renal failure.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Cholesterol embolization syndrome (CES) is a rare complication of systemic atherosclerosis.
  • It often occurs post-cardiac or vascular procedures in patients with coronary artery disease risk factors.
  • CES can lead to significant end-organ damage, including atheroembolic renal disease (AERD).

Observation:

  • A 90-year-old Caucasian female presented with CES complicated by AERD.
  • Notably, this patient had no history of cardiac or vascular intervention preceding her diagnosis.
  • Her laboratory tests were nonspecific, but imaging studies suggested plaque visualization.

Findings:

  • The case demonstrates CES and AERD in a patient without typical procedural triggers.
  • This presentation underscores the potential for CES to manifest spontaneously in high-risk individuals.
  • The patient's condition highlights the diagnostic challenge of CES and AERD.

Implications:

  • Physicians should consider CES and AERD in the differential diagnosis of renal failure, particularly in elderly patients with cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Early recognition and supportive management are crucial for improving outcomes in CES and AERD.
  • This case expands the understanding of CES etiology beyond procedural complications.

Keywords:
atheroembolismcase reportcholesterol embolization syndromehypertensionrenal failure

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