The precise localisation of atheroma and its association with stasis at the origin of the internal carotid artery—a radiographic investigation

Abstract

This paper presents evidence which indicates that atheroma develops in the internal carotid artery origin on its external wall, in the same region as that at which stasis occurs, and that the presence of atheroma is associated with intra-arterial stasis which can be demonstrated by contrast medium. There is a close coincidence between the site of intra-arterial stasis, atheroma, and a process known as “boundary-layer separation”, a process which can be demonstrated readily in model flows. It is suggested that this evidence of stasis supports the thrombogenetic theory of atherogenesis and that it offers an explanation for the relationship between atheroma and micro-embolism, which is one of its important clinical consequences.