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Polyneuropathy Associated with Cholesterol Crystal Embolism

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Abstract

Introduction

Cholesterol crystal embolism complicating arterial catheterization usually presents as a multiorgan disease with renal failure, abdominal problems, and skin manifestations.

Methods

We present a patient with hypertension and generalized arteriosclerosis who presented with muscle weakness, diffuse pain in the extremities, and renal failure 3 weeks after coronary catheterization and angioplasty of the right coronary artery. Muscle weakness progressed during the following months.

Results

Nerve conduction studies and nerve biopsy showed severe axonal nerve injury. Biopsy of the kidney revealed the diagnosis of cholesterol crystal embolism.

Conclusion

The clinical presentation indicates a direct association of cholesterol crystal embolism and polyneuropathy. Although cholesterol crystal embolism represents a rare cause of polyneuropathy, it should be considered in patients with acute onset polyneuropathy and sudden onset multiorgan disease after arterial catheterization.

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Acknowledgment

We appreciate the help of Katie Ogston for proof-reading the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, University Hospital Munich-Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany

    Matthias Klein, T. A. Rupprecht, C. Schmidt, T. Pfefferkorn & A. Straube

  2. Department of Nephrology, Medical Clinic I, University Hospital Munich-Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany

    B. Hartmann

  3. Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany

    H. J. Groene

Authors
  1. Matthias Klein
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  2. B. Hartmann
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  3. H. J. Groene
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  4. T. A. Rupprecht
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  5. C. Schmidt
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  6. T. Pfefferkorn
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  7. A. Straube
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Correspondence to Matthias Klein.

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Klein, M., Hartmann, B., Groene, H.J. et al. Polyneuropathy Associated with Cholesterol Crystal Embolism. Neurocrit Care 12, 74–78 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-009-9233-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-009-9233-9

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