Fibrous cap

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Fibrous cap in an atheromatous plaque

The fibrous cap is a layer of fibrous connective tissue, which is thicker and less cellular than the normal intima, found in atheromatous plaques. The fibrous cap contains macrophages and smooth muscle cells.<ref name="nature">Template:Cite journal</ref> The fibrous cap of an atheroma is composed of bundles of muscle cells, macrophages, foam cells, lymphocytes, collagen and elastin.<ref name="nature"/> An atheroma with a cap is termed a fibrous cap atheroma.

Rupture

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Histopathological progresssion

The rupture of a fibrous cap can lead to a stroke, or a heart attack either of which has the potential to be fatal.<ref name="Wissing2022">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The fibrous cap is prone to rupture and ulceration which can lead to thrombosis. In advanced lesions, further complications may arise including calcification of the fibrous cap.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

References

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