Physical Findings

Stop & Think

Lab and X-Ray

Differential Diagnosis

The Disease

Treatment

Conclusions

Quiz & Evaluation

• Chronic endothelial cell injury is the cornerstone of response-to-injury hypothesis of atherosclerosis.
• Early lesions occur with endothelium intact, suggesting endothelial cell dysfunction and activation are important.
• There is nonrandom distribution in the vascular tree.
• Hemodynamic disturbances (shear stress) that accompany normal circulatory function, especially at points of vascular bifurcation.
• Hypercholesterolemia, mechanism is unclear.
• Lesion protected areas of the vascular system are known to occur. It is postulated that inducable levels of antioxidant superoxide dismutase may confer protection.

 The role of macrophages and smooth muscle.        Previous page