Motoyama R, et al. - Researchers assessed the usefulness of combined use of magnetic resonance imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for improving the evaluation quality of plaque vulnerability. For this, 71 patients with internal carotid artery stenosis were prospectively enrolled. These subjects had undergone carotid endarterectomy and preoperative CEUS and magnetic resonance plaque imaging. Taking into account magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient echo images, high–signal-intensity plaques (HIPs) and non-HIPs were distinguished. Thereafter, they graded them according to the CEUS contrast effect. Comparison of CEUS images with the carotid endarterectomy specimens was performed. Findings revealed the possible utility of complementary use of these 2 modalities for assessment of plaque vulnerability, consistent with the growth and destabilization process of atherosclerotic plaques.