Late onset of cholesterol crystal embolism after thrombolysis for cerebral infarction

Abstract

A 73-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of bilateral foot pain. He was treated with thrombolysis for cerebral infarction about 5 months ago. Anticoagulants had not been used because of hemorrhagic infarction. The pulses of bilateral pedal arteries were palpable, but cyanosis was present in the bilateral toes. Laboratory data indicated azotemia and eosinophilia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple plaques of the thoracic and abdominal aorta, one of which was ulcerated. Skin biopsy proved the diagnosis of cholesterol crystal embolism (CCE). Because no invasive vascular procedure was performed, we assumed that CCE in this patient was related to thrombolysis. We should be cautious for late onset of CCE after thrombolysis. © 2010 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.