A comparative analysis of the collagen architecture in the carotid artery: Second harmonic generation versus diffusion tensor imaging

► Comparison of two imaging modalities for 3D arterial collagen structure imaging. ► Second harmonic generation technique provides high resolution, but is destructive. ► Diffusion tensor imaging is a fast and non-destructive method. ► Layering of the arterial wall is well visualized with both methods. ► Diffusion tensor imaging is a reliable tool to evaluate the 3D arterial collagen structure.