Cholesterol Embolus

Exam Cram

• Procedure e.g. angiography, damages blood vessel wall causing it to break off and embolise

• Presentation: petechial rash, worsening renal function, oesinophilia; recent procedure

• Risk factors

  • Male over 50 years old

  • Atherosclerosis

  • Hypertension

  • Smoker

  • CRP raised + arterial instrumentation

  • Mitral valve calcification

• Management: supportive + dialysis

Written in 2025.