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Cholesterol crystal embolization in the Netherlands
1Department of Internal Medicine, Wilhelmina Hospital Assen, The Netherlands.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|March 25, 1996
Summary
Cholesterol crystal embolization (CCE) incidence increased significantly in the Netherlands from 1980 to 1985, then stabilized. This condition predominantly affects elderly men and often involves the kidneys.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Nephrology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Cholesterol crystal embolization (CCE) is a serious complication of atherosclerosis.
- Understanding CCE incidence and clinical features is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and clinical characteristics of cholesterol crystal embolization (CCE) in the Dutch population.
- To analyze trends in CCE diagnosis over a 22-year period.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 842 diagnosed CCE cases from the Dutch National Pathology Information System (1973-1994).
- Exclusion of renal transplant cases.
- Data compilation from biopsy, resection, and autopsy reports.
Main Results:
- CCE incidence rose from 0.9/million in 1980 to 6.0/million in 1985, then stabilized.
- The condition predominantly affects elderly men (mean age 72.1 years, 73.9% male).
- The kidney is the primary site, followed by skin and gastrointestinal tract.
Conclusions:
- CCE is steadily reported in the Dutch population, averaging 6.2 cases/million/year since 1985.
- Risk factors include advanced age, male sex, atherosclerotic disease, and hypertension.
- Clinical presentation can be subtle, mimicking other conditions, or CCE may be an incidental finding.