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[Cholesterol embolism: a heavy price to pay after successful fibrinolysis]
B Balestra1, A Radaelli, G Noseda
1Medizinische Abteilung, Ospedale della Beata Vergine, Mendrisio.
Insights
Cholesterol embolism, a serious complication, can occur after myocardial infarction treatment. This condition, linked to blue toe syndrome and eosinophilia, highlights the need to weigh risks before arterial procedures or fibrinolysis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Cholesterol embolism (CE) is a systemic complication.
- CE is often associated with invasive arterial procedures.
- CE can be fatal and is frequently undetected.
Abstract:
We attribute a case of acute irreversible renal failure associated with "blue toe syndrome" and eosinophilia to a cholesterol embolism after "successful" treatment of myocardial infarction with fibrinolysis. This case shows that CE can be caused not only by invasive arterial procedures but also by thrombolytic as well as by anticoagulant treatment. In modern medicine, the importance of this often fatal but usually undetected systemic affection is increasing. For patients with serious atherosclerosis it is essential to analyze the risks and benefits before undertaking arterial invasive procedures or fibrinolysis.