Cholesterol Embolization

In the two cases of multiple system disease due to atheromatous embolization presented, increasingly severe hypertension developed owing to renal involvement. One patient had acute pancreatitis from embolization to the pancreas. The second patient had mottling of the skin of the legs. Purple toes were present and gangrene developed in 3 toes. The possible influence of anticoagulant therapy in promoting peripheral cholesterol embolism is discussed. It is suggested that the "purple toe syndrome" may be a manifestation of cholesterol embolization secondary to anticoagulant therapy.