Atheroma

Question 1

What is atheroma?

Answer 1

Degeneration of the walls of the arteries caused by accumulated fatty deposits and scar tissue

Question 2

What is stage 1?

Answer 2

Fatty streak
- Yellow linear elevation of intima
- Masses of lipid laden macrophages

Question 3

What is stage 2?

Answer 3

Atheromatous plaques
- Central lipid core
- Fibrous cap containing collagen and inflammatory cells
- Endothelial covering
- Rim of foamy macrophages
- Extensive calcification

Question 4

What is stage 3?

Answer 4

Complicated atheroma
- Haemorrhage into plaque
- Plaque rupture/fissuring
- Thrombosis

Question 5

What is the main risk factor?

Answer 5

Hypercholesterolaemia

Question 6

What can atheroma manifest as?

Answer 6

Plaques stenosis
Atherothrombotic occlusion
Embolization
Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Question 7

What are the signs of hyperlipidaemia?

Answer 7

LDL, HDL, Total cholesterol
Corneal arcus
Tendon xanthelasamata

Question 8

What are vulnerable plaques?

Answer 8

Thin fibrous cap
Large lipid core
Prominent inflammation

Question 9

What are non-vulnerable plaques?

Answer 9

Highly stenotic
Large fibrocalcific component
Little inflammation