Transesophageal echocardiographically detected atherosclerotic aortic debris in a patient with systemic embolism following coronary angiography.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has enabled detection of the cardiac source of systemic emboli. We report the case of a patient who manifested systemic, multiple embolization in the kidney, skin, and upper gastrointestinal tract following coronary angiography. TEE allowed visualization of the atherosclerotic debris in the thoracic aorta. The clinical picture of the patient was consistent with that of cholesterol embolism. We recommend that patients with extensive atherosclerotic disease should undergo TEE before cardiac catheterization or other invasive procedures involving the aorta are carried out.