The article summarises present knowledge on the differences in the structure of atherosclerotic plaques in patients with stable angina pectoris and in those with acute coronary syndrome during intravascular ultrasound examination. Authors describe differences in the pathologic anatomy and also in the clinics. The review includes pictures of the typical structural features and references of papers with similar topics.

        Key words: atherosclerosis plaques, angina pectoris, intravascular ultrasound.