title: Carotid plaque morphologic characteristics.
abstract: Carotid artery atherosclerosis is predominantly believed to mirror atherosclerosis elsewhere in the body. Endothelial injury results in expression of cell surface adhesion molecules with expression of sequence of genes involved in the inflammatory pathway and expression of proinflammatory cytokines. The combination of the inflammatory mediators and contribution by monocytes infiltrating the intima and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation result in the development of atheromatous plaque with a lipid-rich necrotic core. Complications of these atheromatous plaques can lead to plaque instability, rupture, and subsequent hemorrhage or ulceration. The significant risk factors, characteristics associated with symptoms, and available diagnostic imaging modalities are also discussed with review of the relevant literature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: Gilbert
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Aidinian
authors.forename: Jonathan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Weiswasser
authors.forename: Subodh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Arora
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Abularrage
authors.forename: Niten
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Anton N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Sidawy
mesh_terms: D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000378:metabolism; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D020521:Stroke / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL