Use of a prostacyclin analogue in cholesterol crystal embolism.

The prognosis of cholesterol embolism is often poor, and no treatment is presently available. We report the use of a stable prostacyclin analogue in treating cholesterol embolism in a diabetic patient with arteriopathy. As a sole therapy, it improved cutaneous manifestations and pain, in parallel with an increased transcutaneous oxymetry. We think that prostacyclin analogues are novel candidates for the treatment of cholesterol embolism.