[Complications of atherosclerotic plaques]

Atherosclerosis progression, which may lead to significant stenosis, is usually the consequence of a growth response of the plaque (lipid core, fibrosis, thrombus incorporation). The impact of plaque growth on lumen size is, however, dependent upon arterial remodelling. The major risk associated with an atherosclerotic lesion is the occurrence of an acute thrombotic event which is related to plaque rupture or erosion. Determinants of plaque vulnerability include "quantitative" factors such as the ratio of lipid core to fibrous cap and "qualitative" factors such as the balance between metalloproteinases and their inhibitors.