[Effect of statins on content of lipids in intima of the human aorta data of computer morphometry]

We carried out pathomorphological study of fragments of the thoracic aorta obtained at aorto coronary bypass surgery in order to elucidate effect of statins on lipid component of vascular wall using the system of computer processing and image analysis. Treatment of patients with ischemic heart disease with statins leads to decrease of area of aortic intima occupied by lipids. Most significant lipid lowering action of statins has been noted at initial stage of atherosclerosis - in primary extracellular lipoidosis, less significant - in fatty streaks with intracellular lipids, and least significantly pronounced - in fatty streaks with secondary lipoidosis formed as a result of degradation of foam cells.