MULTIPLE CHOLESTEROL EMBOLI SYNDROME - 6 CASES IDENTIFIED THROUGH THESPONTANEOUS REPORTING SYSTEM

Six cases of suspected multiple cholesterol emboli syndrome were ident ified by a review of reports contained in the company's records of adv erse event reports. Antecedent risk factors in these reports included cardiac catheterization, thrombolytic therapy, translumbar aortography , renal arteriography, subclavian arteriography, abdominal aortography , and heparinization. Unlike the commonly reported subacute presentati on, onset occurred during or immediately after catheterization in 5 of the 6 patients reported. Acute renal failure; hypertension; back, leg , and/or abdominal pain; and livedo reticularis were the events most f requently reported. Angiographers should consider multiple cholesterol embolization when multiple organ system dysfunction occurs during or immediately after intraarterial catheterization.