Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
09:15

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles

Published on: November 10, 2017

[Cholesterol crystal embolism during treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin]

X Belenfant1, C d'Auzac, J Bariéty

  • 1Service de Néphrologie, Hôpital Broussais, Paris.

Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|November 5, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Cholesterol crystal embolism can occur during low-molecular-weight heparin treatment. Discontinue this anticoagulant in high-risk patients to prevent severe multi-organ complications.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Cholesterol crystal embolism (CCE) is a known complication of atherosclerotic disease, particularly involving the aorta.
  • It can be iatrogenic, often occurring after procedures or treatments that disrupt atherosclerotic plaques.

Observation:

  • Two cases of CCE were documented in patients receiving low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH).
  • Both patients presented with multi-organ involvement, including acute renal failure, pulmonary edema, skin necrosis, and gastrointestinal ischemia.

Findings:

  • CCE during prophylactic LMWH treatment is a newly reported phenomenon.
  • Successful management involved LMWH discontinuation, supportive care, hemodialysis, and corticosteroids.

Implications:

  • LMWH should be avoided in patients with diagnosed CCE due to the risk of severe, multi-organ embolic events.
  • This finding extends the known risks associated with anticoagulation and interventions in patients with advanced atherosclerosis.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Ferric Chloride-Induced Arterial Thrombosis and Sample Collection for 3D Electron Microscopy Analysis03:57

Ferric Chloride-Induced Arterial Thrombosis and Sample Collection for 3D Electron Microscopy Analysis

Published on: March 17, 2023

Microvascular Embolism Mouse Model for In Vivo Two-photon Microscopy Using Fluorescent Polystyrene Microspheres08:29

Microvascular Embolism Mouse Model for In Vivo Two-photon Microscopy Using Fluorescent Polystyrene Microspheres

Published on: November 21, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins01:30

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins

Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction01:30

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
Cholecystitis01:20

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...