Which clinical finding is commonly associated with cholesterol emboli after angiography?

Cholesterol emboli are small fragments of cholesterol that can dislodge from atherosclerotic plaques and enter the bloodstream, often occurring after procedures such as angiography. One of the characteristic clinical findings associated with cholesterol emboli is livedo reticularis, which is described as a mottled, lace-like pattern of discoloration on the skin, usually appearing on the legs. This condition results from interrupted blood flow in small blood vessels, particularly capillaries, due to the presence of cholesterol crystals that cause occlusion.

Livedo reticularis typically arises in the context of systemic emboli and can be considered an important diagnostic clue in identifying complications related to cholesterol crystal embolization. The skin changes may accompany other systemic symptoms, but the distinctive appearance of livedo reticularis directly points to this specific type of embolic phenomenon, making it the most relevant clinical finding in this context.