A study is conducted involving persons with LDL cholesterol levels above 160 mg/dL. They are found to have increased oxidized LDL deposited in their arteries. As a consequence, the arterial lumen, particularly at branch points, is decreased in size. Which of the following is the most likely pathologic change that develops initially in these areas of arterial narrowing?
Endothelial cell disruption Intimal thickening Lymphocytic infiltrates Platelet aggregation