Site of intimal rupture or erosion of thrombosed coronary atherosclerotic plaques is characterized by an inflammatory process irrespective of the dominant plaque morphology.

Abstract

The underlying atherosclerotic plaque morphology in complicated coronary artery lesions causing acute myocardial infarction is heterogeneous with respect to both plaque architecture and cellular composition. However, the immediate site of plaque rupture or erosion is always marked by an inflammatory process. This suggests that inflammation plays a role in destabilizing the fibrous cap tissue and, thus, in enhancing the risk of coronary thrombosis.