Vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque - a review of current concepts and advanced imaging

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a primary cause of carotid and coronary artery disease.
• Plaque rupture leads to thrombosis, arterial occlusion, or embolism.
• These events are leading causes of mortality and disability, manifesting as stroke or myocardial infarction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current understanding of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque development.
• To provide an overview of imaging methods for assessing plaque vulnerability.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of atherosclerosis and vulnerable plaque.
• Summary of established and emerging imaging modalities.

Main Results:

• Vulnerable plaque development involves complex biological processes.
• Various imaging techniques can identify features indicative of plaque instability.

Conclusions:

• Understanding vulnerable plaque is crucial for preventing cardiovascular events.
• Imaging plays a key role in identifying at-risk individuals and guiding treatment.