Predicting High-Risk Carotid Plaque: Integrating radioMics and biomEchanics

Non-pharmacological interventional study for the development of a predictive model aimed at identifying unstable carotid plaques in asymptomatic patients at first diagnosis, with the use of biological material and prospective-retrospective data collection

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients ≥ 18 years of age; * Affected by significant carotid atherosclerosis, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic (stenosis ≥ 70% according to ECST criteria). * Candidates for carotid ATE surgery. The criteria provided by the SICVE and ESVS guidelines will be followed for indications for surgery; * Preoperative imaging available; Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who have undergone previous carotid endarterectomy (ipsilateral to the affected side); * Patients who have undergone previous neck surgery involving cervical lymph node dissection; * Patients who have undergone previous neck radiation therapy; * Lack of preoperative imaging; * Patients unable to sign informed consent.