Mechanical and structural characteristics of carotid plaques by combined analysis with echotracking system and MR imaging.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to correlate the arterial mechanics of carotid atherosclerotic plaques assessed from echotracking with their composition by high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI).

Background: Analysis of the relationship between mechanical parameters and structure of the plaque allows better understanding of the mechanisms leading to mechanical fatigue of plaque material, plaque rupture, and ischemic events. A specific longitudinal gradient of strain (reduced strain, i.