Which of the following best describes the earliest visible lesion of atherosclerosis?
- A Fibrous cap overlying a necrotic lipid core in the media
- B Medial calcification with fragmentation of elastic lamellae
- C Intimal accumulation of foam cells, seen grossly as yellow flat spots called fatty streaks ✓
- D Transmural granulomatous inflammation of the vessel wall
Correct answer: C. Intimal accumulation of foam cells, seen grossly as yellow flat spots called fatty streaks
Explanation
The fatty streak is the earliest recognizable lesion of atherosclerosis, composed of lipid-laden foam cells (macrophages and smooth muscle cells) in the intima, appearing as flat yellow spots that may be present from childhood. It is not clinically significant by itself but can progress to plaques. Option A describes a mature fibrofatty plaque, option B describes Monckeberg medial calcific sclerosis, and option D describes vasculitis such as Takayasu arteritis.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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