Atheromatous embolism (with cutaneous manifestations resembling polyarteritis nodosa)

Authors

W. B. Reed, University of California, Irvine
R. Anderson, University of California, Irvine
L. Weiss, University of California, Irvine
R. Harris, University of California, Irvine

Abstract

The manifestations of aortic emboli carrying atheromatous debris, including cholesterol, to various organs have been known for over 100 yr but only one paper has been published in the dermatologic literature. This report concerns a 62 yr old female patient presenting with livedo reticularis, subcutaneous nodules which eventually resolved, and pain in the leg muscles. A previous biopsy of the skin was diagnosed elsewhere as polyarteritis nodosa: A microphotograph shows that this error is understandable. Subsequent studies revealed that the clinical course was due to atheromatous embolism. The patient never showed any severe infarctions leading to gangrene.

Publication Title

Cutis

Recommended Citation

Reed, W., Anderson, R., Weiss, L., & Harris, R. (1975). Atheromatous embolism (with cutaneous manifestations resembling polyarteritis nodosa). Cutis, 16 (2), 264-268. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/facpubs/18439