Sharply defined upper limit with a narrow tongue on the posterior wall. Media constructed so that no one layer is well cemented to the next. The plane of resection is usually within the media. Fibrin platelet carpet is laid down within 30 minutes. Remarkably smooth intima covered by normal endothelial cell.
Atherosclerotic plaques cause clinical disease by three mechanisms.
Obstruction of blood flow to peripheral tissue. Ulceration or fissuring in the surface of the plaques. Angiography is the gold standard. Certain diagnostic pitfalls exist which justify the use of cerebral angiography. Tandem and intracranial lesions.