Lumen thrombus caused by plaque rupture | Advanced plaques with thin fibrous cap, large lipid atheroma (>40% of plaque volume) and distinct inflammatory activity (T cells, macrophages and mast cells) in fibrous cap and shoulders |
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Lumen thrombus caused by endothelial erosion | Variable plaque architecture, many cases have a thick fibrous cap or completely fibrous skeleton; generally limited inflammatory activity, but often with subendothelial rim of foam cells and T cells |
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Expansion of plaque volume caused by intra-plaque haemorrhage | Advanced plaques with complex fibro–lipid–calcific architecture and deeply seated collections of dilated thin walled micro vessels prone to leakage or disruption |
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Lumen thrombus caused by protruding calcific nodule | Advanced plaques with complex fibro–lipid–calcific architecture and calcified shell with sharp edges protruding into the lumen of the artery |