The "Blue Toe" Syndrome with Renal Atheroembolism and Failure

Abstract

The occurrence of atheromatous embolization following cardiac catheteriza tion and coronary artery bypass surgery is described. It was manifested initially by bluish discolored toes inciting suspicion of vasospasm and then by progres sive renal failure. The diagnosis was confirmed by renal biopsy. The syndrome of multiple atheromatous or cholesterol emboli is probably more common than previously reported because of its masquerade of other illnesses and failure of consideration of diagnosis.