Evolution of Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Composition Using Serial MRI in the Rotterdam Study

In a 6-year follow-up MRI study of subclinical carotid plaque, baseline calcification was independently associated with a higher incidence of intraplaque hemorrhage; in the simulated 30-year evolution, most subclinical carotid plaques evolved into multicomponent plaques within 15 years.