Etymed
atheroma
Definition
A tumor or mass without fire (as in inflammation or fever), specifically referring to atherosclerotic plaque
Clinical context
A 65-year-old male presents with chest pain and shortness of breath. CT angiography reveals multiple atheromas in his coronary arteries, which are composed of lipid deposits, fibrous tissue, and calcium without active inflammation. His symptoms are attributed to progressive luminal stenosis from these atherosclerotic plaques.
Mnemonic
Atheroma = Atherosclerosis without A inflammation (no fever, no fire)