Livedo reticularis due to multiple cholesterol emboli

Three patients with advanced atherosclerotic vascular disease developed multiple cholesterol emboli. The clinical presentation typically includes livedo reticularis of the lower part of the body and purple toes. Small areas of necrosis and ulceration may be present distally, despite palpable pulses. Muscular and abdominal pain, as well as alterations in renal function, may also occur. Cutaneous biopsy reveals characteristic cholesterol clefts within atheromatous debris filling small, deep arterial lumen. Pathophysiologic mechanisms are discussed.