Coronary intimal thickenings and lipids in Finnish children who died violently.

Intimal thickenings of the coronary arteries were found in healthy children who died violently, of both sexes even in children under 5 years of age. The average incidence was 53 % of the 75 cases. Splitting of the internal elastic lamina was the primary finding, followed by local increase in smooth muscle cells. The thickening could occupy 50 % of the coronary lumen. The accumulation of esterified cholesterol in the coronary arteries began before the age of 10 years. The fatty acid composition of the cholesterol esters suggests that they are derived from the blood. The question whether the thickenings are precursors of forthcoming coronary atheromas needs further detailed studies, especially in young adults.