A 55-year-old male died of myocardial infarction. Autopsy would most likely reveal:
A) embolization of plaque from the aorta.
B) decreased ventricular diastolic filling time.
C) platelet aggregation within the atherosclerotic coronary artery.
D) smooth muscle dysplasia in the coronary artery.

Question

A 55-year-old male died of myocardial infarction. Autopsy would most likely reveal:
A) embolization of plaque from the aorta.
B) decreased ventricular diastolic filling time.
C) platelet aggregation within the atherosclerotic coronary artery.
D) smooth muscle dysplasia in the coronary artery.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Myocardial infarction is typically caused by the blockage of a coronary artery due to a blood clot formed as a result of platelet aggregation within an atherosclerotic plaque. This is the most likely finding on autopsy. Embolization of plaque from the aorta (A) can lead to stroke but is less likely to cause myocardial infarction. Decreased ventricular diastolic filling time (B) may contribute to heart failure but is not the primary cause of myocardial infarction. Smooth muscle dysplasia in the coronary artery (D) is a rare cause of myocardial infarction.

A 55-Year-Old Male Died of Myocardial Infarction