Inclusion Criteria:  - Carotid plaques with a cut-off at doppler flow velocity ≥ 1.3 m/sec at a Doppler angle of 50-60°, which corresponds to a ≥ 50% stenosis according to these criteria.  Exclusion Criteria:  Performed or planned carotid surgery Carotid occlusion Renal failure (GFR <45 ml/h) Inflammatory diseases, anti-inflammatory treatment or malignancies Stroke <30 days before admission Co-morbidities that disable informed consent or participation in the study investigations (e.g. contraindications for MRI)