Cai Y, et al. - The focus of this study is to explore the attributes of morphology, compositions and distribution of carotid atherosclerotic plaques in the asymptomatic elderly population utilizing three-dimensional (3D) multi-contrast magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging. The outcome of this study suggests the carotid artery atherosclerotic plaques are prevalent and a substantial number of high-risk plaques can be found in the asymptomatic elderly subjects. Longitudinal studies are warranted to explore the risk of having an ischemic stroke for asymptomatic elderly individuals with carotid artery high-risk plaques.