Multiple cholesterol emboli syndrome.

Of four patients with the syndrome of multiple cholesterol emboli (MCES), three had acute renal failure. One patient recovered stable renal function. A radiocontrast study preceded three of the cases. All four patients exhibited the "purple toe" livido reticularis syndrome. Three had a previously unreported findings--necrosis of the scrotum and foreskin of the penis, suggesting that penile and scrotal necrosis may be additional clues to the presence of MCES.