Hypertensive urgency due to cholesterol embolization of kidneys

Four weeks after left carotid endarterectomy, a 65-year-old man developed severe, acute hypertension due to cholesterol embolization of the kidneys. The diagnosis was established by the demonstration of mobile, protruding atheromata in the descending thoracic aorta and the visualization of distal embolization of a plaque fragment by transesophageal echocardiography.