Ischemic small bowel perforation caused by cholesterol crystal embolism following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report

Abstract Background Cholesterol crystal embolism (CCE) following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is rare. Case presentation A 71-year-old man underwent TACE for recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). On postoperative day (POD) 5, he developed abdominal pain and fever. Computed tomography revealed intraperitoneal free air. The patient was diagnosed with gastrointestinal perforation with peritonitis, for which partial intestinal resection and covering ileostomy were performed. Histological examination revealed perforation of the small intestine caused by CCE. The patient made a satisfactory recovery and was discharged on POD 30. The patient showed no recurrence of cholesterol crystal embolism or HCC for 2 years after surgery. Conclusion We reported a successfully treated case of ischemic small bowel perforation due to cholesterol crystal embolism following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for recurrent HCC.