Acute renal failure due to cholesterol crystal embolism treated with LDL apheresis followed by corticosteroid and candesartan

Clin Exp Nephrol. 2003 Mar;7(1):67-71. doi: 10.1007/s101570300010.

Abstract

Cholesterol crystal embolism (CCE) is caused by the shedding of cholesterol crystals into the bloodstream, and it has been recently recognized as a serious complication after vascular procedures. Our case of CCE, which was diagnosed by skin and renal biopsies, occurred in a patient with hypertension and diabetes mellitus, 3 months after coronary angiography, with the development of renal failure and blue toes. After low-density lipoprotein apheresis (LDL-A), the skin lesions, including livedo reticularis and pain from the acrocyanotic toes, dramatically improved, with partial recovery of renal function. Following the administration of low-dose corticosteroid and candesartan--an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist (ARB)--the eosinophilia disappeared and renal function improved gradually with a decrease in urinary protein excretion. Therefore, a combination therapy of LDL-A, low-dose corticosteroid, and an ARB is a possible treatment for CCE, although the possibility of spontaneous recovery of renal function cannot be eliminated for this patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / diagnosis
  • Acute Kidney Injury / etiology*
  • Acute Kidney Injury / therapy*
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use*
  • Aged
  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers*
  • Benzimidazoles / therapeutic use*
  • Biopsy
  • Biphenyl Compounds
  • Blood Component Removal
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Creatinine / blood
  • Crystallization
  • Embolism, Cholesterol / complications*
  • Embolism, Cholesterol / diagnosis
  • Eosinophils
  • Humans
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Lipoproteins, LDL / blood*
  • Male
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Proteinuria
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Skin / pathology
  • Tetrazoles / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers
  • Benzimidazoles
  • Biphenyl Compounds
  • Lipoproteins, LDL
  • Tetrazoles
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Prednisolone
  • Creatinine
  • candesartan