Although the relationship of carotid plaque morphology and stroke risk has been examined repeatedly, definitive data correlating plaque morphology and stroke risk remain elusive. In this review, we evaluate the available information linking carotid plaque morphology and stroke risk and the current status of the imaging modalities that are used to determine plaque characteristics. Fortunately, continuing refinements in imaging, particularly in magnetic resonance imaging, now allow high-resolution in vivo plaque imaging that can be used in population-based studies to give new insights into the relationship between carotid plaque characteristics and stroke risk.
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