Cholesterol Embolism in Intensive Care Patients

Four case reports are presented, followed by a discussion of the acute, potentially life-threatening manifestations of the cholesterol embolism syndromes. Every major organ system except the lungs may be directly affected by cholesterol emboli; devastating consequences encompass cerebral, myocardial, spinal cord, intestinal, renal, and other visceral organ infarction, as well as peripheral and perineal gangrene. Additional complications include severe hypertension, gastrointestinal bleeding, and hemodynamic instability. Anticoagulants and thrombolytic therapy may exacerbate atheromatous embolism and are relatively contraindicated. Aggressive supportive therapy may improve chances of survival, but long-term prognosis is poor. Prevention remains the most important aspect in this devastating disorder.