Characterisation of carotid atherosclerotic plaque: comparison between magnetic resonance imaging and histology

Purpose. The aim of this study was to identify and characterise by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) carotid plaque constituents such as lipid-rich necrotic core, intraplaque haemorrhage and calcification in patients treated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) using histological evaluation as the reference standard.