Quantitative evaluation of carotid atherosclerotic characteristics using in vivo carotid MR imaging with MULTIPLEX

Motivation: Conventional carotid artery wall MR imaging is time-consuming due to multiple MR acquisitions. MULTIPLEX, a fast single-scan MRI technique, provides T1W/PDW/T2* maps simultaneously. Its potential in evaluating arterial plaque remains unexplored. Goal(s): Evaluating MULTIPLEX in characterising carotid plaque. Approach: We compared T1/PD/T2* values of arterial morphology and plaque components (lipid-rich necrotic core/intraplaque haemorrhage/loose matrix) in 33 participants using ANOVA between conventional technique and MULTIPLEX. Results: Significant T1/PD/T2* differences of plaque compositions mentioned above were found across all three groups with MULTIPLEX, similar to conventional technique. Varied plaque components displayed T1/PD/T2* differences. Impact: MULTIPLEX shows promises in characterising arterial plaque beyond the brain.