How are early lesions of an atherosclerotisis?

➢ The earliest, it is only microscopic: isolated foamy macrophages appear in the subendothelial layer of the intima. ➢ Lipid Streak: ▪ the first lesion seen on gross examination. ▪ Corresponds to the grouping of foamy macrophages into small clusters in the subendothelial layer of the intima. ▪ These elongated, yellowish, flat lesions run parallel to the blood flow. ▪ They are preferentially located on the thoracic aorta. ▪ These lesions can be observed before the age of one year and peak in extension and incidence in adolescence. They can either regress and disappear, or gradually progress to the other atherosclerotic lesions. They do not cause any clinical manifestations.