cholesterol emboli

Q: Skin findings in cholesterol crystal emboli are more pronounced at? (select one)

A) arterial area

B) venous area

Answer: A

The classic cutaneous manifestations of cholesterol emboli are livedo reticularis, gangrene, cyanosis, ulcer, purpura, petechiae, splinter, and/or firm, painful erythematous nodules.

Contrary to popular belief, these signs tend to occur around/at palpable arterial pulse. The most common etiology for cholesterol emboli is manipulation of an artery like angiography, and embolization occurring in smaller arteries down the system.

#PVD

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References:

1. Donohue KG, Saap L, Falanga V. Cholesterol crystal embolization: an atherosclerotic disease with frequent and varied cutaneous manifestations. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2003; 17:504.

2. Fine MJ, Kapoor W, Falanga V. Cholesterol crystal embolization: a review of 221 cases in the English literature. Angiology 1987; 38:769.

3. Falanga V, Fine MJ, Kapoor WN. The cutaneous manifestations of cholesterol crystal embolization. Arch Dermatol 1986; 122:1194.