Acute Peripheral Arterial Occlusion By Koon K Teo, MBBCh, PhD, McMaster University Reviewed / Revised May 2021 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Treatment Key Points Topic Resources Cholesterol Crystal Embolization Peripheral arteries may be acutely occluded by a thrombus, an embolus, aortic dissection, or acute compartment syndrome.