In the late 1950s, atherosclerotic lesions in the arteries were intensely scrutinised at autopsy by the Committee on Vascular Lesions, a creative forum that became part of the American Heart Association in 1959. By the early 1980s, concerned efforts brought many medical subspecialties together to quantify treatments of atherosclerosis in the living, by comparing results and standardising on measurements and terms deployed. With improved understandings about the vascular wall, the Committee was able to develop a classification of atherosclerotic lesions.

This work reveals critical understandings about the natural history of plaque, the correlation of vascular lesions and clinical syndromes, and the utility of new imaging methods. Diagnostic imaging, atherosclerosis prevention and treatment will be shaped by these new modalities. Continuous scrutiny by the Committee is culminating in scientific meetings every few years, and is summarised in published statements. The present statement The Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaque: Understanding, Identification and Modification is the second of these documents to focus on atherosclerosis pathogenesis and pathological clinical implications.

As a multi-disciplinary resource, this book edited by Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, chairman of the committee, consists of twenty four chapters written by experts in mechanical and electrical engineering, pathology, neurology, imaging, clinical and vascular biology, physics, radiology and surgery. This invaluable reference tool identifies problems, perspectives and critical new questions for evaluation and dissemination.