CARDIOLOGY

Recognize the presentation of cholesterol emboli after angiography

Explanation:

In patients with a lot of plaque in the aorta there is a high chance of breaking atheroma and throwing cholesterol emboli during angiography(arterial catheter insertion for any reason. These patients present with blue toes, livedo reticularis /stroke or renal failure that occurs 2 days after the procedure. Unfortunately one cannot do anything for these patients except supportive care. It may also happen in patients with degenerate aortic valves.

Athero-emboli can also be showered in those on anti-coagulants.