Cholesterol crystal embolization simulating focal myositis

Cholesterol crystal embolization usually produces characteristic skin lesio ns. We report a case responsible for myositis of the calf without suggestiv e skin lesions. The outcome in this 58-year-old patient was spontaneously f avorable. Cholesterol crystal embolization can produce a range of clinical symptoms, with the skin, kidneys, and eyes being the most common targets. G eneralized forms can result in systemic disease. The diagnosis rests on his tological findings, and the treatment is symptomatic. Anticoagulants have b een shown to worsen the manifestations, whereas antiplatelet therapy may be useful. Joint Bone Spine 2001 ; 68 : 267-9. (C) 2001 Editions scientifique s et medicales Elsevier SAS.