Role of inflammation in the pathogenesis and prognosis of unstable angina

Unstable angina is a clinical syndrome which results from the unstabilizati on of the coronary atherosclerothic plaque, leading to its ulceration or ru pture and to the formation of superimposed thrombus. The mechanism underlyi ng plaque unstabilization is a subject of intense basic research. In the la st few years, new knowledge has emerged that relates inflammation in the at herosclerothic lesion with its gradual growth and development, as well as w ith its sudden transformation into a complicated plaque causing unstable an gina or myocardial infarction. In this article we will review the evidence that links inflammation with the pathogenesis of unstable angina and its pr ognosis.