Computed Histological Quantification of Atherosclerotic Plaque Microcalcifications.

Inflammation has a central role in atherosclerotic plaque formation and rupture. Intense macrophage inflammatory activity results in microcalcifications which are strongly associated with plaque vulnerability. Microcalcifications with specific critical size between 5 and 65 μ, located in the fibrous cap producing local mechanical stress on the plaque surface and may directly contribute to plaque rupture.

Spinal cord ischemia following external iliac artery angioplasty: a case report.

Spinal cord ischemia (SCI) is a rare disease that leads to variable degrees of neurological deficit including permanent paraplegia. It has been reported after open and endovascular interventions of the thoracic and abdominal aorta, but it is extremely rare after interventions involving peripheral vessels. We present a case of permanent paraplegia after iliac angioplasty and stenting for critical limb ischemia and a related review of the literature.