Observations on Carotid Bifurcation Atherosclerosis in Human Cadavers

Abstract

The atherosclerotic changes in the carotid bifurcation were examined in 70 Japanese and 73 German cadavers. Initially, a fatty streak or dot appeared in the carotid sinus and/or on the anterior side of the common carotid artery. Further progression occurred predominantly in the carotid sinus, resulting in a localized atheromatous plaque. Finally an atheromatous plaque was formed all around the bifurcation. The following speculation was made from observations of many carotid bifurcations; the accumulation of fatty streaks on the anterior surface of the common carotid artery results in an atheromatous plaque in the carotid sinus analogous to accumulation of sand on a sandbank in a river. This concept may be useful in understanding the progression of atheromatous plaques.