Thyroid Function Tests and Liver Biopsy

Low-density lipoprotein that has been oxidized (damaged) causing damage to blood vessels.

Early stage of atherosclerosis, characterized by lipid-filled foam cells in the artery's inner lining.

A complex lesion formed in the artery wall, containing lipids, smooth muscle cells, and inflammatory cells.

Macrophages that have engulfed oxidized LDL, giving them a foamy appearance.

Impaired function of the endothelial cells that line the blood vessels.

Atherosclerosis commonly affects the lower abdominal aorta, coronary arteries, popliteal arteries, and internal carotid arteries.

Plaques can vary in color from white to yellow or red-brown, depending on whether there is superimposed thrombus.

Atherosclerotic plaques are composed of three main components: 1. Cells (including smooth muscle cells, macrophages, and T-cells), 2. Extracellular matrix (collagen, elastic fibers, and proteoglycans), and 3. Lipid (both intracellular and extracellular).

In atherosclerosis, smooth muscle cells proliferate and produce extracellular matrix (ECM), mainly collagen and proteoglycans. They can also engulf oxidized LDL and form foam cells.

Extracellular lipid in atherosclerotic plaques comes from two sources: 1. Insudation from the vessel lumen (especially with hypercholesterolemia) and 2. Necrotic foam cells.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) plays a role in cholesterol efflux from atherosclerotic lesions. It likely transfers cholesterol from the plaque to the liver for excretion.

Atherosclerotic plaques can vary in size, shape, and distribution. They often appear as patchy (focal) lesions involving a portion of the arterial wall.

A sudden event in an atheromatous plaque, which may be asymptomatic but changes the plaque's stability and risk of rupture.

A plaque with a thick, collagenized fibrous cap, minimal inflammation, and negligible lipid core, which is less likely to rupture.

A plaque with a thin fibrous cap, many foam cells, abundant extracellular lipid, and inflammatory cells, which is high risk for rupture.

A heart attack caused by a sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.

Stroke, caused by blockage of blood flow to the brain.

A bulge or weakening in the wall of the aorta, a major blood vessel.

Disease affecting blood vessels outside the heart and brain, often leading to gangrene.

The protective layer of a plaque, composed largely of collagen, determining plaque stability.

The process of producing collagen by smooth muscle cells, which maintains plaque stability and strength.