Endoscopy 2005; 37(4): 408
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-861124
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Diminutive Gastrointestinal Lesions in Cholesterol Crystal Embolization

M.  Hirahashi1, 2 , T.  Matsumoto1 , M.  Esaki1 , M. Nagata1 , H.  Hirakata1 , T.  Yao2 , M.  Iida1
  • 1Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
  • 2Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
Further Information

M. Hirahashi, M.D.

Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University

Maedashi 3-1-1 Higashi-ku Fukuoka 812-8582Japan

Fax: +81-92-6425273

Email: mi-hira@surgpath.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Publication History

Publication Date:
16 May 2006 (online)

Table of Contents
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    Figure 1 Cholesterol crystal embolization (CCE) is a condition characterized by systemic embolization of cholesterol crystals from atherosclerotic plaques lining in the walls of major arteries. We found diminutive gastrointestinal lesions in four of five patients with CCE. Here, livedo reticularis is seen in the foot of a 70-year-old man with CCE. A biopsy specimen from the livedo reticularis contained a cholesterol cleft in an arteliole of the upper dermis.

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    Figure 2 Gastroduodenoscopy of the patient showed: a diffuse erythemas and erosions in the gastric body; and b scattered mucosal redness in the second portion of the duodenum.

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    Figure 3 Colonoscopy showed aphthoid lesions in the rectum. Our experience suggests that diminutive gastrointestinal lesions may be frequent in patients with CCE.

    Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CCL_1AB_2AD_3AF

    M. Hirahashi, M.D.

    Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University

    Maedashi 3-1-1 Higashi-ku Fukuoka 812-8582Japan

    Fax: +81-92-6425273

    Email: mi-hira@surgpath.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp

    M. Hirahashi, M.D.

    Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University

    Maedashi 3-1-1 Higashi-ku Fukuoka 812-8582Japan

    Fax: +81-92-6425273

    Email: mi-hira@surgpath.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp

    Zoom Image

    Figure 1 Cholesterol crystal embolization (CCE) is a condition characterized by systemic embolization of cholesterol crystals from atherosclerotic plaques lining in the walls of major arteries. We found diminutive gastrointestinal lesions in four of five patients with CCE. Here, livedo reticularis is seen in the foot of a 70-year-old man with CCE. A biopsy specimen from the livedo reticularis contained a cholesterol cleft in an arteliole of the upper dermis.

    Zoom Image
    Zoom Image

    Figure 2 Gastroduodenoscopy of the patient showed: a diffuse erythemas and erosions in the gastric body; and b scattered mucosal redness in the second portion of the duodenum.

    Zoom Image

    Figure 3 Colonoscopy showed aphthoid lesions in the rectum. Our experience suggests that diminutive gastrointestinal lesions may be frequent in patients with CCE.