title: Multifocal coronary plaque instability.
abstract: Recent observations document that many patients with acute coronary syndromes harbor multiple complex plaques by angiography, which correlate with multiple plaque ruptures and clots at necropsy. Multifocal plaque instability is evident not only in coronary vessels but also in peripheral vessels where peripheral and coronary plaque instability may exist concomitantly. These observations support the concept that plaque instability is not merely a local vascular accident but instead reflects more systemic pathophysiological processes with potential to destabilize atherosclerotic plaques throughout the cardiovascular system.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Division, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA.
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Goldstein
mesh_terms: D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000503:physiopathology; D005167:Factor VII / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D005167:Factor VII