Table 3.
Macroscopic factors that potentially predict vulnerable plaques.
| Category | Factors | Related Mechanism | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geometry and morphology of artery | ER ratio | Hemodynamics | [137,159,161,162,163,164,165,168] |
| Maximum wall thickness | Hemodynamics | [170,171] | |
| Plaque near bifurcation | IPH | ||
| Incomplete COW | IPH | ||
| Geometry and morphology of plaque | Type-I plaques | High shear stress | [2,137,172] |
| CPS | Plaque thickness | ||
| Others | DII | Inflammation | [4] |
| K trans | IPH; Loose ECM; Intraplaque macrophage accumulation |
[177] |
Abbreviations: ER, expansive remodeling; COW, a circle of Willis; IPH, intraplaque hemorrhage; Type-I plaques, plaques with greater arc-length located in the downstream vascular wall above the position of maximal wall thickness; CPS, carotid plaque score; DII, dietary inflammatory index; K trans, the volume transfer coefficient; ECM, extracellular matrix.