Coronary versus carotid artery plaques. Similarities and differences regarding biomarkers morphology and prognosis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Pathology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Carotid artery disease and coronary artery disease are prevalent atherosclerotic conditions with significant morbidity and mortality.
• Atherosclerotic plaque development shares common mechanisms across different arterial locations.
• Despite shared biology, distinct plaque morphologies and characteristics exist between coronary and carotid arteries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comparatively analyze the characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques in coronary versus carotid arteries.
• To summarize current knowledge on similarities and differences in plaque biology.
• To inform current and future treatment strategies for these conditions.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on atherosclerotic plaque characteristics in coronary and carotid arteries.
• Comparative analysis of plaque morphology, including erosion, calcified nodules, fibrous cap thickness, and macrophage accumulation.
• Investigation into the role of perivascular adipose tissue in plaque biology.

Main Results:

• While atherosclerotic processes share similarities, significant differences in plaque morphology (e.g., erosion, calcification, cap thickness, macrophage content) are observed between coronary and carotid arteries.
• Perivascular adipose tissue surrounding coronary arteries, absent in carotids, influences plaque biology.
• These variations necessitate tailored therapeutic approaches.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the distinct characteristics of coronary and carotid atherosclerotic plaques is crucial for effective treatment.
• Future research should focus on location-specific plaque biology to optimize therapeutic interventions.
• Comparative analysis aids in developing targeted strategies for managing atherosclerotic diseases.