A Case of Repeated Small Bowel Perforations in a Short Period in a Patient with Cholesterol Crystal Embolism.

We report a case of jejunal perforation related to cholesterol crystal embolism (CCE) in a woman in her seventies. The jejunum was partially resected;histological examination of the resected tissue revealed that the perforation was caused by CCE. On postoperative day 12, computed tomography (CT) showed free air in the abdomen. We then performed a second operation to alleviate the anastomotic leakage. Subsequently, 26 days after the second surgery, CT again showed free air in the abdomen. A third operation was performed, and multiple perforations of the jejunum were detected. She died of multiple organ failure 43 days after the first surgery. The prognosis of CCE with gastrointestinal perforation is reported to beextremely poor, and there is a high rate of anastomotic leakage. Partial resection of the intestine and ileostomy might be useful for removing the intestinal perforations caused by a CCE. Steroid administration should be continued, however, because discontinuation may worsen the problem.