Multiple cholesterol emboli syndrome after angiography.

Multiple cholesterol emboli syndrome (MCES) after angiography has been reported infrequently. Seven patients (from five reports) who developed MCES after angiography are reviewed. An eighth case is described. All patients had evidence of extensive atherosclerosis. Following angiography of the eight patients, six demonstrated livedo reticularis below the umbilicus; technical difficulties were reported in four; four became febrile and/or hypertensive; and only one survived. Since therapy has been unsuccessful, careful angiographic technique is essential to prevent this syndrome.