New insight into biology, molecular diagnostics and treatment options of unstable carotid atherosclerotic plaque: a narrative review.

ABSTRACT: Indications for intervention in hemodynamically relevant carotid artery stenosis (carotid endarterectomy or stenting) are primarily based on a degree of stenosis and symptomatology. To date the plaque vulnerability is rarely taken into account in clinical decision making although development of molecular imaging allows a better understanding of plaque biology and provides new techniques detecting potentially vulnerable plaque at risk. A significant number of reports describing the mechanisms of unstable plaque formation suggest that it is a multifactorial process. Inflammation, lipid accumulation, apoptosis, proteolysis, the thrombotic process and angiogenesis are among the main factors of carotid plaque destabilization. Although inflammation is a key process in development of plaque vulne

SUBMITTER: Migdalski A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8350668 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature