A 55-year-old man with chronic stable angina undergoes coronary angiography showing a 70% stenosis of the left anterior descending artery. At autopsy, the corresponding plaque is found to have a thick fibrous cap overlying a small lipid core. In comparison, plaques responsible for acute coronary syndromes are characterized by which of the following features?
- A Thick fibrous cap and small lipid core
- B Extensive calcification with no lipid core
- C Thin fibrous cap and large lipid core ✓
- D Absence of inflammatory cells
Correct answer: C. Thin fibrous cap and large lipid core
Explanation
Vulnerable plaques responsible for acute coronary syndromes have thin fibrous caps, large lipid-rich necrotic cores, and abundant inflammatory cells (macrophages, T cells). Stable angina plaques have thick fibrous caps and small lipid cores. The thin cap is prone to rupture or erosion, triggering thrombosis.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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