Pathology

Question 1

What are the earliest lesions?

Answer 1

fatty streaks
(deposits of lipid in the tunica intima)

Question 2

are fatty streaks reversible?

Answer 2

yes

Question 3

atheromatous plaque size

Answer 3

0.3 - 1.5 cm

Question 4

atheromatous plaque description

Answer 4

raised yellow-white fibrofatty lesions composed of soft grumous yellow lipid core called “atheroma”
covered by firm white fibrous cap of variable thickness

Question 5

atheroma composition

Answer 5

amorphous eosinophilic debris, 
cholesterol clefts, 
fibrin, 
smooth muscle cells, 
foam cells

Question 6

fibrous cap composition

Answer 6

**collagen
proliferating smooth muscle cells
macrophages
lymphocytes

Question 7

progression of atheromas

Answer 7

gradual conversion to fibrous tissue (sclerosis)

Question 8

sclerosis

Answer 8

fibrous tissue

Question 9

early on, atherosclerosis is…

Answer 9

all atheroma and no sclerosis

Question 10

end point, atherosclerosis is…

Answer 10

all sclerosis, no atheroma

Question 11

neovascularization

Answer 11

later feature of atherosclerosis

ingrowth of capillaries from tunica adventitia through tunica media into tunica intima

Question 12

Why neovascularization occurs

Answer 12

cells in expanded tunica intima become too far removed from O2 and nutrients that diffuse into artery from vessel lumen
–they signal need for blood vessels w/in blood vessels (vasa vasorum) to serve them

Question 13

intraplaque hemorrhage cause

Answer 13

new blood vessels are abnormal and are prone to rupture

Question 14

intraplaque hemorrhage can…

Answer 14

increase degree of arterial stenosis