The Mikamo Lecture 2002. Therapeutic Targets for the Treatment of Atherothrombosis in the New Millennium-Clinical Frontiers in Atherosclerosis Research.

espite crucial advances in our knowledge of the pathologic mechanism, and the availability of effective diagnostic and treatment modalities, atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity. New findings have recently introduced exciting concepts that could have a major impact on the treatment of the atherosclerotic disease. Some of these concepts derive from in vivo observations using new imaging technologies, such as high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We will discuss the mechanisms that lead to the development of atherosclerosis and those responsible for the acute coronary syndromes (ACS).