The progression of coronary artery plaque formation can lead to a variety of pathologic conditions. When subtotal plaque disruption occurs resulting in vasoconstriction, platelet activation, and embolization, it most commonly causes which clinical phenomenon?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Transmural myocardial infarction. Subtotal plaque disruption leads to vasoconstriction, platelet activation, and embolization, causing complete occlusion of a coronary artery. This results in ischemia of the entire thickness of the myocardial wall, leading to transmural myocardial infarction. Endothelial cell dysfunction (A) is an early event in atherosclerosis but does not directly result from subtotal plaque disruption. Prinzmetal's angina (B) is caused by transient coronary artery spasm rather than plaque disruption. Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (D) involves incomplete blockage of a coronary artery and typically does not result from subtotal plaque disruption.