Atherosclerosis in coronary arteries and aorta by modified American heart association classification: An autopsy study

Abstract

Ischemic heart disease following atherosclerosis is a leading cause of deaths among Indians. The study was formulated to assess the Histomorphological atherosclerotic changes in coronaries and aorta in autopsy by applying Modified American Heart Association Classification (AHA) among the autopsy cases received at SIMS & RC, Bangalore.1. To evaluate the autopsies for atherosclerosis in coronary arteries and aorta. 2. To classify atherosclerosis in coronary arteries (right coronary, left coronary, left anterior descending) and aorta by Modified American Heart Association classification (Grade 1-8).Autopsy was studied for 49 cases from June 2019 to August 2019. It was conducted by conventional method and heart was dissected along the flow of blood. Grossly macro-assessment was done and on histopathology examination microscopic assessment was done using Modified American Heart Association Classification.A total of 49 cases were studied, of which 42 cases were male and 7 were females. Male to female ratio was around 6:1. Coronary showing major occlusion was Left Anterior Descending followed by Right Coronary and then Left Circumflex artery. Major number of cases were belonging to grade 4 (59.1%) followed by in grade 3 (38.7%). Calcification was noted in 6 cases (12.2%) and ruptured plaque in 4 (8.16%). With the cardiovascular diseases attaining pandemic proportions, the study of atherosclerosis and its grading is the need of hour to estimate disease burden. Autopsy studies play a vital role in unraveling the spectrum and occurrence of atherosclerosis.