What are the cutaneous findings in cholesterol emboli?

Cholesterol emboli can present anywhere in the body, but cutaneous manifestations most commonly occur on the lower extremities. This condition can occur spontaneously, but often cholesterol emboli to the skin present after angiography when trauma to aortic plaques dislodges cholesterol into the circulation. Clinically, the patient presents acutely with fairly well-demarcated areas of cyanosis or livedo reticularis on the feet and lower legs as a result of emboli blocking arterial circulation. These areas can undergo necrotic changes, resulting in painful ulcers.