Axial Head CT - Bilateral carotid artery atherosclerosis identified.
Atherosclerosis - Imaging
Atherosclerosis is the build up of internal arterial wall (intimal layer) atheromas (atherosclerotic plaques) that protrude into the vessel lumen. The comprise a structural lesion with a core of lipid and a fibrous cap. Their pathogenesis comes from their ability to obstruct blood flow (cause arterial stenosis) or rupture and cause vascular thrombosis (blood clot).
Key Modifiable Risk Factors:
- Hyperlipidemia
- Hypertension
- Tobacco Abuse
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Generalized Inflammatory States
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea