[Acute atherothrombotic accidents: plaque and thrombosis rupture]

The physiopathology of acute complications of atherosclerosis is more and more understood: it implies the initial occurrence of a mechanical accident (rupture or erosion of plaque) then a thrombotic reaction. The precise description of the mechanisms which lead to plaque vulnerability is important because it allows better appreciation of the risk for the patient and also allows conception of new therapeutic strategies.