Editorial Near Infrared Spectroscopy

The pursuit to identify vulnerable plaque has been relentless, as it is responsible for major healthcare problems, such as sudden cardiac death and acute coronary syndromes, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Per definition, vulnerable plaque is plaque that is prone to rupture but has not yet ruptured.1 The features associated with vulnerable plaque include a large lipid core, thin fibrous cap overlying the lipid core, increased macrophage activity, positive remodeling, and increased vasa vasorum.2 Among these 5 components, the 2 most important ones are probably the large lipid core and thin fibrous cap.