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The clinical syndrome of cholesterol embolization is uncommon but is associated with a poor prognosis. Patients with severe atheromatous disease of the aorta appear to be at particular risk from cholesterol embolization, particularly following vascular instrumentation or surgery. Trans-oesophageal echocardiography is the investigation of choice for imaging atherosclerotic disease of the aorta, and may be useful in assessing the risk of vascular procedures, and diagnostically helpful in patients with suspected cholesterol emboli syndrome. We report five cases of athero-embolism, and illustrate the role of trans-oesophageal echocardiography in making a diagnosis of cholesterol embolization.

Original publication

DOI

10.1093/qjmed/92.6.341

Type

Journal article

Journal

QJM

Publication Date

06/1999

Volume

92

Pages

341 - 346

Keywords

Aged, Aortic Diseases, Arteriosclerosis, Echocardiography, Transesophageal, Embolism, Cholesterol, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Risk Factors, Vascular Surgical Procedures