220k views
5 votes
Patient with recent angio/cardiac cath develops acute/subacute renal failure, livedo reticularis, cerebral/intestinal ischemia, and Hollenhorst plaques. Labs show eosinophilia:

a) Cholesterol embolization syndrome
b) Fat embolism syndrome
c) Air embolism syndrome
d) Amniotic fluid embolism

User Kasrsf
by
8.4k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The patient's condition with symptoms and labs consistent with Cholesterol embolization syndrome (CES) after a cardiac procedure is correctly diagnosed as Cholesterol embolization syndrome, as it matches the description of cholesterol plaques lodging in small vessels causing organ damage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient described in the question has developed several symptoms, including acute/subacute renal failure, livedo reticularis, cerebral/intestinal ischemia, and Hollenhorst plaques along with lab findings of eosinophilia after a recent angio/cardiac catheterization. Among the choices given, the correct diagnosis for this patient's condition is Cholesterol embolization syndrome (CES). This syndrome occurs when cholesterol-laden plaques from the aorta or other major arteries become dislodged and embolize to smaller vessels, leading to occlusion of blood flow to various organs, including kidneys, brain, and intestines, which is consistent with the patient's presentation of renal failure, ischemia, and Hollenhorst plaques. It should be distinguished from Fat embolism syndrome, Air embolism syndrome, and Amniotic fluid embolism, which present with different clinical features.

Relevant treatments for CES may include supportive care, anticoagulation, and addressing the underlying atherosclerosis to prevent further embolic events. The condition should be managed by a multidisciplinary team, including cardiologists, nephrologists, and possibly vascular surgeons to stabilize the patient and improve renal function.

User Roman Losev
by
8.0k points