Pathology Of Atheroma

Question 1

Where does atheromatous plaques develop?

Answer 1

In the intima of large and medium sized arteries

Question 2

Give an example of a non atheromatous cause of decrease in blood vessel diameter

Answer 2

Age related change in muscular arteries
Smooth muscle hypertrophic , reduplication of internal elastic laminate and intimate fibrosis —> decrease in vessel diameter

Question 3

What is the earliest significant lesion in atherosclerosis process?

Answer 3

Fatty streak

Question 4

What is the lesion part of the atheromatous process which can occur from young adults onwards?

Answer 4

Early atheromatous plaque

Question 5

What is the most important risk factor for atherosclerosis?

Answer 5

Hypercholesterolaemia

Question 6

What is hypercholesteromaeia caused by?

Answer 6

Decrease in functional LDL receptors on cell surfaces causing elevated plasma LDL levels

Question 7

What are the signs of major hyperlipidaemia?

Answer 7

Familial/primary ?
Acquired/secondary?

Biochemistry - LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides

Corneal Arcus
Tendon xanthomata
Xanthelasmata

Question 8

What are the risk factors of atherosclerosis?

Answer 8

Familial hyperlipidaemia
Age
Male
Hypertension
Diabetes
Smoking
Obesity
Sedentary life style
Low birth weight

Question 9

Adhesion of what cell to the endothelium transform into foamy macrophages?

Answer 9

Monocytes / macrophages