The vulnerable coronary plaque

Vulnerable coronary plaques are asymptomatic atherosclerotic lesions with the tendency to rupture. Plaque rupture is the initiating event in most acute coronary syndromes including sudden cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction, and unstable angina. Vulnerable plaques are commonly found in coronary arteries at autopsy but are virtually undetectable by standard diagnostic techniques such as stress testing and coronary angiography. Using new imaging techniques, in particular intravascular ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), scientists are now able to identify these plaques in vivo. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of plaque vulnerability and rupture will eventually lead to the therapeutic goal of plaque stabilization in the prevention of acute coronary syndromes. This article reviews the role of plaque vulnerability in coronary artery disease. The anatomy and pathophysiology of vulnerable plaques as well as diagnostic and therapeutic implication will be described.