The seabed-like appearance of atherosclerotic plaques: three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic images of the aortic arch causing cholesterol crystal emboli

Cholesterol crystal embolism (CCE) is a rare but important complication of endovascular procedures or anticoagulation therapy. An 84-year-old man was referred to the Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine with the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. After successful emergency coronary angioplasty, his serum creatinine level increased continuously. A subsequent skin biopsy confirmed that the patient had CCE. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) clearly demonstrated the mobile mass protruding from the complex atheroma. Three-dimensional TEE provides more precise and attractive volumetric images of the atherosclerotic plaque than two-dimensional TEE. In addition, the findings of this case revealed contrast media-induced nephropathy and CCE as possible causes of renal dysfunction after endovascular procedures.