Cholesterol Embolization

In cholesterol embolization syndrome cholesterol crystals are released from the arterial wall and dispersed in the circulation. The crystals may block small vessels and cause local ischaemia or a syndrome mimicking systemic vasculitis.Cholesterol embolization has to be taken into account as a cause of vascular occlusive or systemic symptoms, particularly if a patient with atherosclerosis has undergone angiography or aortic surgery.