Cholesterol embolization to the coronary arteries resulting in acute myocardial infarction: A complication of coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

Cholesterol emboli dislodged during coronary artery bypass surgery may be released downstream into the native coronary arteries and lead to the development of acute myocardial infarction. An autopsy-proven case of such an event occurring in a 79-year-old woman illustrates this complication of coronary artery bypass surgery. Awareness of this complication by pathologists may facilitate its recognition. Awareness by surgeons, on the other hand, may help to prevent it through decreased intraoperative manipulation of the involved vessels.