atherosclerotic plaque
Fatty deposits that build up within artery walls, visible on imaging studies as areas of altered vessel contour or density.
Full Definition
Atherosclerotic plaque refers to the accumulation of lipids, inflammatory cells, and fibrous tissue within the arterial wall that can cause vessel narrowing or rupture. In vascular imaging, plaques appear as focal areas of wall thickening, calcification, or altered signal intensity depending on the imaging modality. Editors must distinguish between 'plaque' (the lesion itself) and 'plaquing' (the process), and ensure consistent terminology when describing plaque characteristics such as calcified, non-calcified, or mixed composition.
Usage
Usage note: Always use 'atherosclerotic plaque' rather than just 'plaque' in formal reports to distinguish from dental or dermatological contexts.
In Context
- "The atherosclerotic plaque in the left anterior descending artery showed mixed echogenicity on IVUS." — Interventional cardiology report
- "Calcified atherosclerotic plaque was noted at the carotid bifurcation." — Carotid ultrasound report