Efficacy of low-density lipoprotein apheresis in arteriosclerosis obliterans of the lower extremities: two cases with marked alleviation of clinical symptoms.

We have recognized marked effectiveness for intermittent claudication with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis in two cases of arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO). The Case 1 was a 73-year-old man with intermittent claudication of both lower extremities (Fontaine class II), digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed complete obstruction of the left common iliac artery, formation of a collateral to the peripheral portion of the left common iliac artery, and diffuse stenosis of the peripheral portion of the right common iliac artery. Ten sessions of LDL apheresis (LDL-A) improved the walking distance from 100 m before to 600 m after LDL-A treatment.

Unexpected coronary vasospasm of a contralateral artery during balloon angioplasty.

It is unusual for coronary vasospasm to develop following angioplasty of a coronary vascular lesion that is located elsewhere. We experienced a rare case of shock with vasospasm of the right coronary artery in a patient following balloon angioplasty performed for stent restenosis of the left anterior descending artery.

Effect of pravastatin on coronary plaque volume.

A volumetric analysis by 3-dimensional intravascular ultrasound revealed that lipid-lowering therapy with pravastatin significantly reduced coronary plaque volume. The changes in plaque volume were inversely correlated with the changes in plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol but not with changes in levels of total cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.