[Fever, abdominal livedo and eosinophilia in a 79-year-old man with pronounced vascular risk profile].

Abstract

We describe the case of a 79-year-old patient referred by a general practitioner because of chills, fever up to 39.2°C and nausea.Diagnostic workup revealed peripheral eosinophilia, abdominal livedo reticularis and a pronounced vascular risk profile with generalised arteriosclerosis. The patient was admitted to the hospital, diagnostic tests were performed, and management decisions were made.Atheroembolic disease with spontaneous cholesterol embolism.Depending on the source and size of the embolism as well as the localisation of the vascular occlusion, multiple symptoms are described in different organ systems. Skin manifestations (livedo, "blue toes") are the most common clinical manifestation. Diagnosis is confirmed by tissue biopsy. Treatment is symptomatic. Cornerstone is the aggressive reduction of cardiovascular risk factors.