[Cholesterol embolism in the lower limbs].

An atheromatous aorta may be the source of micro-emboli composed of cholesterol crystals. These cholesterol emboli presumably result from dislodgment of atheromatous material occurring either spontaneously, or consecutively to a coronary angiography, an aortic surgery or even an anticoagulant or thrombolytic treatment. Even if the best known clinical feature is the "blue toe" syndrome together with renal insufficiency, the spectrum of disease caused by cholesterol emboli ranges from asymptomatic to rapidly progressive multiple system failure. Therefore cholesterol embolism is a serious complication of aortic atherosclerosis and often holds a poor prognosis. Diagnosis is confirmed by skin or muscle biopsy and fundoscopic examination. The optimal treatment remains to be established.