Earlier lesion in the formation of an atheroma is which of the following?

Earlier lesion in the formation of an atheroma is which of the following?

• A. Atherosclerotic plaques
• B. Fatty streaks
• C. Fibrous plaques
• D. Aneurysms

Answer: (B)

The progression of atheroma starts with the earliest lesion, which is a fatty streak. In this stage, lipid-laden macrophages (foam cells) accumulate within the intima, often with some smooth muscle cells, producing flat, yellowish streaks that can be seen even in young people. This represents the initial step of atherogenesis and is typically asymptomatic. As the process advances, smooth muscle cells migrate into the intima and a lipid-rich core develops, forming an atheromatous plaque. Later, a fibrous cap can form over that plaque, creating a fibrous plaque, and more complex lesions or complications can follow. Hence, fatty streaks are the earliest lesion in the formation of an atheroma.

The progression of atheroma starts with the earliest lesion, which is a fatty streak. In this stage, lipid-laden macrophages (foam cells) accumulate within the intima, often with some smooth muscle cells, producing flat, yellowish streaks that can be seen even in young people. This represents the initial step of atherogenesis and is typically asymptomatic. As the process advances, smooth muscle cells migrate into the intima and a lipid-rich core develops, forming an atheromatous plaque. Later, a fibrous cap can form over that plaque, creating a fibrous plaque, and more complex lesions or complications can follow. Hence, fatty streaks are the earliest lesion in the formation of an atheroma.