What condition is characterized by red and blue mottling of the feet due to vascular occlusion from emboli?

Cholesterol emboli refer to a condition where emboli originating from atherosclerotic plaques dislodge and travel downstream, causing occlusion of smaller vessels. This condition often leads to significant vascular compromise and can present with symptoms such as the characteristic red and blue mottling of the feet due to impaired blood flow. The mottled appearance is a result of both ischemia and reperfusion phenomena, particularly when the emboli occlude blood flow to the extremities.

In cases of cholesterol emboli, one might also see other manifestations depending on the vascular territories affected, such as purple toe syndrome or livedo reticularis. This condition is often seen in older patients with significant atherosclerosis and can be secondary to invasive procedures or spontaneously occurring due to plaque instability.

Thromboangiitis obliterans primarily involves small and medium-sized vessels and is commonly associated with tobacco use. It predominantly affects the hands and feet but may not present with the same mottled appearance as seen in cholesterol emboli.

Peripheral artery disease is characterized by narrowed arteries leading to reduced blood flow, resulting in symptoms like claudication and limb ischemia. It is typically associated with atherosclerosis but does not specifically lead to the mottled appearance nor does it primarily