A case of lethal systemmic embolization with colesterol crystals following coronary angiography *
We report a case of systemic embolization caused by cholesterol crystals after coronary angiography. A 69-year-old male, who underwent coronary angiography regarding a diagnosis of unstable angina, was found to have stenotic lesions on coronary arteries' #2, #9 and #12. Coronary stenting was performed without any trouble, but immediately after the procedure, the patient complained of progressive abdominal pain. Emergency angiography of the superior mesenteric artery was done on suspicion of thrombosis, but no abnormalities were found. An emergency laparotomy revealed uncontrollable thrombosis expanding the whole intestine within the abdomen. On autopsy of the patient, a diagnosis of systemic embolization with cholesterol crystals was made. Cholesterol crystal embolization is rare and has been reported as a lethal condition occuring immediately after intervention such as angiography, aortic surgery and anticoagulant therapy. This disease should be kept in mind for both precaution and early diagnosis. (Accepted on October 21，2008)
