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Postgrad Med J 2002;78:288-289 doi:10.1136/pmj.78.919.288
  • Case report

Systemic cholesterol crystal embolisation with pulmonary involvement: a fatal combination after coronary angiography

  1. T J Walton,
  2. N J Samani,
  3. R Andrews
  1. Cardiology Department, County Hospital, Greetwell Road, Lincoln LN2 5QY, UK
  1. Correspondence to:
 Dr Andrews;
 richard.andrews{at}llh-tr.trent.nhs.uk
  • Received 30 July 2001
  • Accepted 12 November 2001

Abstract

Cholesterol crystal embolisation (CCE) is a rare but serious complication of invasive arterial procedures associated with a high mortality, and is a condition that medical staff undertaking invasive vascular procedures should be aware of. It is manifest as a multisystem disorder commonly involving the kidneys and peripheries, but rarely affecting the lungs. A case of fatal CCE with pulmonary involvement is reported, and similar published case reports are reviewed. The pathogenesis of lung involvement in CCE is unclear, but the combination is reported to be invariably fatal.

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