[Cholesterol crystal embolization following urinary diversion: a case report].

ABSTRACT

Cholesterol crystal embolization (CCE) is a cardiovascular disorder with poor prognosis, causing multiple organ failure. The primary pathological condition of the disease is embolization of cholesterol crystals in peripheral vessels. We report a case of CCE following urinary diversion. The patient is a 82-year-old male with history of hypertention, pneumonectasia, interstitial pneumonia, and heavy smoking. He was afflicted with advanced bladder cancer. He underwent urinary diversion, and had been scheduled for palliative radiotherapy. The next day, he developed thromboembolism of the left lower leg as acomplication of urinary diversion. Thrombectomy by endovascular catheter procedure was performed immediately, and anticoagulant therapy was started. The day after the thrombectomy, his lower legs showed livedo reticularis and toes showed cyanosis (blue toe). Since the laboratory data showed acute deterioration in renal function, hemodialysis was initiated. Three days after the thrombectomy he died of multiple organ failure. At autopsy, diffuse atherosclerosis of the aorta was observed, and cholesterol crystalemboli were found in the skin of the left foot ; and, the diagnosis of CCE was confirmed. This case suggests that tissue examinations for early diagnosis and stopping anticoagulant therapy are preferred when CCE is suspected.