fig 1.

Low-density plaque.

A, CT angiogram of internal carotid artery 1 cm above the bifurcation shows a severe stenosis (black arrow indicates contrast in lumen) caused by a large eccentric hypodense plaque (white arrowheads). The small area of calcification (open arrow) was not detected on the histologic section.

B, Corresponding histologic section shows a large necrotic core (N). The fibrous cap is intact at this level but of variable thickness; at O, it is thinned, and higher power showed superficial inflammation. S indicates the site of surgical incision.