INTRODUCTION: Cholesterol crystal embolism complicating arterial catheterization usually presents as a multiorgan disease with renal failure, abdominal problems, and skin manifestations. METHODS: We present a patient with hypertension and generalized arteriosclerosis who presented with muscle weakness, diffuse pain in the extremities, and renal failure 3 weeks after coronary catheterization and angioplasty of the right coronary artery. Muscle weakness progressed during the following months. RESULTS: Nerve conduction studies and nerve biopsy showed severe axonal nerve injury. Biopsy of the kidney revealed the diagnosis of cholesterol crystal embolism. CONCLUSION: The clinical presentation indicates a direct association of cholesterol crystal embolism and polyneuropathy. Although cholesterol crystal embolism represents a rare cause of polyneuropathy, it should be considered in patients with acute onset polyneuropathy and sudden onset multiorgan disease after arterial catheterization.
INTRODUCTION:Cholesterol crystal embolism complicating arterial catheterization usually presents as a multiorgan disease with renal failure, abdominal problems, and skin manifestations. METHODS: We present a patient with hypertension and generalized arteriosclerosis who presented with muscle weakness, diffuse pain in the extremities, and renal failure 3 weeks after coronary catheterization and angioplasty of the right coronary artery. Muscle weakness progressed during the following months. RESULTS: Nerve conduction studies and nerve biopsy showed severe axonal nerve injury. Biopsy of the kidney revealed the diagnosis of cholesterol crystal embolism. CONCLUSION: The clinical presentation indicates a direct association of cholesterol crystal embolism and polyneuropathy. Although cholesterol crystal embolism represents a rare cause of polyneuropathy, it should be considered in patients with acute onset polyneuropathy and sudden onset multiorgan disease after arterial catheterization.