Abstract
An 89-year-old woman complained of abdominal pain after undergoing coronary angiography. Further evaluation showed occlusion of the ileocolic artery, and thrombolytic therapy was performed. No intestinal perforation was noted, so conservative therapy was continued. The patient improved, oral intake resumed, and she was discharged from the hospital. However, two months after discharge, intestinal obstruction due to small intestinal stenosis at the same site was noted, so an elective laparoscopic-assisted partial small bowel resection was performed. Histopathology showed small intestinal stenosis due to cholesterol crystal embolization.
Gastrointestinal perforation, necrosis, and stenosis due to cholesterol crystal embolization have rarely been reported in Japan. Surgeons should keep in mind the possibility of this condition.
