Pathomorphological features of atherosclerotic plaques in acute coronary syndrome

: We studied transverse cross-sections (5 mm apart) of coronary arteries of 45 men and women who died of acute myocardial infarction at the age of 41-79 years. Both stable and unstable atherosclerotic plaques were found in all cases. Stable plaques consisted of solid fibrous tissue with small amount of lipids and cellular elements. Unstable plaques were represented by 2 types: lipid (75.6%) and dystrophic necrotic (24.4%). Various degree of inflammatory cellular reaction was present in all lipid plaques. Factors associated with fibrous cap rupture were identified. Lipid plaques were more frequent in subjects with elevated while dystrophic-necrotic - with normal levels of blood lipids (measured during life).