6 Atheroma Flashcards

0
Q

What is atherosclerosis?

A

The thickening and hardening of arterial walls as a consequence of atheroma.

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1
Q

What is atheroma?

A

The accumulation of intracellular and extracellular lipid in the intima and media of large and medium sized arteries.

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2
Q

What is arteriosclerosis?

A

The thickening of the walls of the arteries and arterioles usually as a result of hypertension and diabetes.

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3
Q

List and describe the 3 macroscopic features of atheroma

A

Fatty streak- lipid deposits in the intima causing raised areas
Simple plaque- individual, small deposits coalesce to form a raised plaque
Complicated plaque- thrombus forms in the vessel wall causing calcification of the plaque. This results in an aneurysm.

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4
Q

Name 3 common sites of atheroma

A

Aorta
Coronary arteries
Leg arteries
Cerebral arteries

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5
Q

Describe some of the early microscopic changes

A

Proliferation of smooth muscle cells
Accumulation of foam cells
Extracellular lipid increases

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6
Q

Describe some of the later microscopic changes of atheroma

A

Fibrosis
Necrosis
Increased inflammatory cells
Damage extends to the media

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7
Q

Name 4 clinical effects related to atheroma

A

Ischaemic heart disease
Cerebral ischaemia
Mesenteric ischaemia
Periferal vascular disease

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8
Q

List 4 predisposing factors to atheroma

A
Old age
Male
Hyperlipidaemia
Smoking
Hypertension
Diabetes
Alcohol 
Genetics
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9
Q

What is the ‘unifying hypothesis’ for atheroma?

A

Endothelial cells are injured
Causes platelet adhesion, smooth muscle cell proliferation
Increased uptake of LDLs
Matrix material and foam cells are produced

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10
Q

How do endothelial cells change in atheroma?

A

Altered permeability to lipoproteins
Secrete collagen
Stimulate the proliferation of smooth muscle cells

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11
Q

What is a smooth muscle cell’s function in atheroma?

A

Take up LDLs and other lipids to become foam cells. Synthesise collagen and proteoglycans

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12
Q

What inflammatory cells are involved in atheroma formation?

A

Neutrophils
Lymphocytes
Macrophages

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