VASCULAR BIOLOGY I. IMPACT OF FIBRE ORIENTATION IN FIBROUS CAP ON THE MECHANICAL LOADING IN HUMAN CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUES

Abstract:

Aim: Plaque rupture is likely to occur if mechanical loading induced by blood pressure and heart motion exceeds the material strength of fibrous cap (FC). Fine fibre structures in the FC may affect such loading in ways that have not been fully investigated. Methods: Fibre structures in 16 coronary atherosclerotic lesions were analysed based on histology. Misalignment of fibres along the lumen contour and dispersion of fibres were calculated. Differences in fibre orientation and critical mechanical condition (stress) in shoulder regions, mid FC and regions with intima thickening (RIT) were compared. Results: Compared with the shoulder region, fibres in mid FC and RIT regions had better alignment with the local lumen boundary (Median [Inter quartile range] 11.5 [8.8, 19.5] vs. 6.4 [5.7, 7.7] or 5.4 [4.9, 6.2], p