Table 1.
Comparison of intravascular imaging modalities for visualization of vulnerable plaque.
| IVUS | OCT | NIRS-IVUS | Angiography | US | CEUS | CT | MRI | PET | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCFA | - | +++ | - | + | + | + | + | ++ | - |
| LRNC | + | +++ | +++ | - | - | + | + | ++ | - |
| IPH | + | +++ | +++ | - | + | ++ | ++ | +++ | - |
| Calcification | +++ | +++ | +++ | ++ | ++ | ++ | +++ | ++ | - |
| Ulceration | +++ | +++ | +++ | ++ | ++ | +++ | +++ | +++ | - |
| Neovascularization | - | + | - | - | - | ++ | + | + | - |
| Inflamation | + | + | + | - | - | ++ | ++ | ++ | +++ |
| Positive remodeling | +++ | + | +++ | - | - | ++ | ++ | ++ | + |
Indicator: - means not detectable; + barely detectable; ++ visible; +++ well delineated.