Potential therapeutic effect of simvastatin on progressive renal failure and nephrotic-range proteinuria caused by renal cholesterol embolism

We report our experience with a 62-year-old Japanese man with cholesterol c rystal embolism after angiographic procedures performed because of intermit tent claudication. In addition to progressive renal failure and nephrotic-r ange proteinuria, cutaneous ischemia, consisting of livedo reticularis in t he lower limbs and digital necrosis at the tip of the right toe, and fundos copic findings showing several white spots in the branches of retinal arter y were also observed. Progressive renal failure and nephrotic-range protein uria were halted just after treatment with simvastatin. Thus, simvastatin c an exert a beneficial therapeutic effect on renal cholesterol embolism.