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Query: UMLS:C0004153 (atherosclerosis)
 77,401 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

This paper presents 3 cases of generalized livedo racemosa and cerebral infarction in female patients ages 27, 39, and 42 years. Livedo racemosa is characterized by a broken, irregular pattern on the skin. It is probably caused by patchy impairment of cutaneous arteriolar circulation, resulting in reflectory venous dilation and stasis of blood. Livedo may accompany diseases such as atherosclerosis, diseases with intravascular occlusion, and collagen disorders, indicating a need for a careful search for an underlying condition. These 3 patients demonstrated several risk factors for atherosclerosis: hypertension (1 patient), oral contraceptive use (2 patients), and smoking (2 patients). The clinical findings in these 3 cases provide support to the theory that a chronic endarteritis obliterans of the small and medium-sized arteries is the underlying cause for the skin and neurologic manifestations in livedo racemosa associated with stroke.
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PMID:Livedo racemosa generalisata and stroke. 402 92

Cholesterol crystal embolization is a potential complication of atherosclerosis. Approximately one-third of the patients who develop this problem have a history of vascular surgery, angiography or angioplasty hours to weeks before onset. The skin and the kidneys are most frequently involved, but any organ can be affected. Livedo reticularis of the lower extremities and acrocyanosis (known as "blue toe syndrome") are the most common cutaneous manifestations. Histological examination is the only way to definitively diagnose cholesterol crystal embolization. Recently, it has been proposed that cholesterol embolization is associated with vasculitis, and some authors have labeled this condition a "vasculitis look-alike." There is still no specific treatment for this problem, even in cases that progress to renal failure. However, a few case reports in the literature have noted successful treatment with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide in patients with deteriorating renal function. In this article, we describe two cases of severe cholesterol crystal embolization accompanied by renal dysfunction) and blue toe syndrome. Both patients benefited from corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide therapy.
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PMID:Cholesterol crystal embolization mimicking vasculitis: success with corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide therapy in two cases. 1602 35

Cholesterol embolization is a serious complication of atherosclerosis. Mainly, vascular manipulations during endovascular procedures or vascular surgery can release cholesterol crystals from atheromatous plaques. About 20 % are spontaneous emboli without precipitating event. The cholesterol crystals are distributed by the blood stream, occlude small arteries and induce inflammation. Typically, 2 to 6 weeks after a vascular procedure renal failure and characteristic cutaneous signs develop. Livedo reticularis and blue toes, although classic symptoms, are not pathognomonic and may be even absent. Vasculitis is an important differential diagnosis. Diagnosis can only be proven by skin, muscle or kidney biopsy. Alternatively, fundoscopy can show retinal cholesterol emboli. Therapy is mostly limited to symptomatic measures. Corticosteroids have no proven efficacy and may be harmful. Statins should be given to all patients due to their plaque stabilizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Randomized clinical trials are lacking in this field. Prognosis is limited. About 30-55 % patients with renal involvement need renal replacement therapy. Mortality is high with 15-30 % of patients dying during the first year.
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PMID:[Cholesterol embolism syndrome: a rare, but severe complication in patients with atherosclerosis]. 2258 60

Livedo reticularis is a common cutaneous manifestation of APS and may be a prognostic marker of more severe disease. It is associated with arterial and venous thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity irrespective of the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. Recent results suggest the possibility of an association with accelerated atherosclerosis in patients with livedo. Given the similarities between APS and livedo (aPL negative), experts in this field believe that livedo may represent the so-called seronegative antiphospholipid syndrome, although the exact relationship of livedo with seronegative APS remains to be elucidated. LV may present as painful cutaneous ulcers that are often difficult to treat. The underlying pathology involves prothrombotic as well as immunological processes with some overlap with APS. Treatment remains challenging and results are often variable.
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PMID:Livedo Reticularis: An Enigma. 2622 86