Atherosclerosis pathophysiology - vessel wall layers involved
Core concept
- Atherosclerosis = disease of the intima
- Endothelial dysfunction -> subendothelial LDL retention/oxidation -> monocyte recruitment -> foam cells -> fibrous cap over necrotic lipid core
- Localise pathology by layer (the exam trap)
- Intima - atherosclerosis, hyaline arteriolosclerosis
- Media - Monckeberg medial calcific sclerosis (non-obstructive), cystic medial degeneration (Marfan -> dissection)
- Adventitia - vasa vasorum; site of large-vessel vasculitis (GCA, Takayasu)
3 more sections, plus exam facts
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