Fibrous cap

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Fibrous cap in an atheromatous plaque Fibrous cap.webp
Fibrous cap in an atheromatous plaque

The fibrous cap is a layer of fibrous connective tissue, which is thicker and less cellular than the normal intima, found in atheromatous plaques. The fibrous cap contains macrophages and smooth muscle cells. [1] The fibrous cap of an atheroma is composed of bundles of muscle cells, macrophages, foam cells, lymphocytes, collagen and elastin. [1] An atheroma with a cap is termed a fibrous cap atheroma.

Rupture

Histopathological progresssion Histopathology of progressive atherosclerotic lesions.jpg
Histopathological progresssion

The rupture of a fibrous cap can lead to a stroke, or a heart attack either of which has the potential to be fatal. [2] The fibrous cap is prone to rupture and ulceration which can lead to thrombosis. In advanced lesions, further complications may arise including calcification of the fibrous cap. [3]


References

  1. 1 2 Hansson, Göran K.; Libby, Peter (July 2006). "The immune response in atherosclerosis: a double-edged sword". Nature Reviews Immunology. 6 (7): 508–519. doi:10.1038/nri1882. PMID   16778830.
  2. ↑ Wissing, T. B.; Van der Heiden, K.; Serra, S. M.; Smits, A. I. P. M.; Bouten, C. V. C.; Gijsen, F. J. H. (31 March 2022). "Tissue-engineered collagenous fibrous cap models to systematically elucidate atherosclerotic plaque rupture". Scientific Reports. p. 5434. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-08425-4 . Retrieved 27 March 2025.
  3. ↑ Swirski, F. K.; Nahrendorf, M. (10 January 2013). "Leukocyte Behavior in Atherosclerosis, Myocardial Infarction, and Heart Failure". Science. 339 (6116): 161–166. Bibcode:2013Sci...339..161S. doi:10.1126/science.1230719. PMC   3891792 . PMID   23307733.
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