Evaluate the Precision of ABL-101 Perfluorocarbon and Fluorine-19 MRI for the Mapping of Atherosclerotic Plaque Composition and Inflammation in Patients Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy

Inclusion criteria

• Written Informed Consent signed by the patient if capable of discernment or by the legally authorized representative if the patient is considered non capable of discernment or authorisation received from independent physician,
• Age ≥ 18 years old,
• Symptomatic atherosclerotic stenosis of the internal carotid artery ≥ 50% or asymptomatic atherosclerotic stenosis of the internal carotid artery ≥ 60% confirmed on at least two non-invasive imaging studies (Doppler, CT angiography, or MR angiography),
• Planned for an elective or semi-urgent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in 2 days at the earliest based on the current institutional and international guidelines.

Exclusion criteria

• Known thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150x109/L) or history of platelet function disorder,
• MRI with gadolinium-based contrast agents within 24 hours of the MRI scan of this trial,
• Known allergy to ABL-101 or any of its constituents (including egg phospholipids),
• Known current infection,
• Any current medical condition causing impaired immunity (e.g. HIV infection, hyposplenism) or use of systemic immunosuppressant medication except for inhaled, nasal intra-articular or topical corticosteroids) on an ongoing basis or within the preceding 30 days,
• Women who are pregnant or breast feeding,
• Other clinically significant concomitant disease states (e.g., renal failure, hepatic dysfunction, advanced cardiac failure, etc.), Known or suspected non-compliance, drug or alcohol abuse,
• Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementia, etc.,
• Participation in another study with investigational drug within the 30 days preceding and during the present study,
• Previous enrolment into the current study,
• Enrolment of the investigator, his/her family members, employees and other dependent persons,
• Inability to undergo MR imaging (e.g. incompatible implants, claustrophobia, etc.),
• Any incapacitated patient that is not expected to recover to a point where they will personally be capable of discernment and able to provide informed consent.
• A priori refusal to receive information concerning fortuitous discoveries which may contribute to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.