Recurrent anaemia due to ischaemic colonic ulceration caused by cholesterol embolism.

We describe an elderly patient with generalized atherosclerosis who presented with recurrent iron-deficiency anaemia. He underwent right hemicolectomy which revealed ischaemic colonic ulceration caused by cholesterol embolism. Surgery appeared to be curative. Cholesterol embolism should be considered as a possible cause of unexplained gastrointestinal blood loss in the elderly.