Spontaneous Jejunal Perforation Caused by Cholesterol Crystal Embolization in a Patient with a Shaggy Aorta: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION: Cholesterol crystal embolization (CCE) is a systemic disease that is caused by cholesterol crystals and plaque debris that break away from atherosclerotic plaques and most commonly affects the kidneys and skin. Gastrointestinal involvement is uncommon, and perforation of the small intestine is an exceptionally rare and life-threatening complication. The preoperative diagnosis of gastrointestinal involvement is often challenging because symptoms and imaging findings are frequently nonspecific, particularly when contrast-enhanced imaging is contraindicated.