Table 1.
Comparison of important technological features of techniques used in noninvasive molecular imaging
| Technique | Spatial resolution | Temporal resolution | Plaque morphology | Coronary imaging | Anatomical detail | Sensitivity | Radiation | Contrast toxicity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PET | cm3 | hours | − | − | − | <1 pg/mL | + | − |
| SPECT | cm3 | hours | − | − | − | >1 ng/mL | + | − |
| MRI | mm3 | seconds | ++ | ± | + | >1 μg/mL | − | Systemic fibrosis |
| Ultrasound | μm2 | milliseconds | + | − | + | Unknown | − | − |
| CT | mm3 | milliseconds | +++ | + | + | >1 mg/mL | + | Nephrotoxicity |
CT, Computed tomography; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; PET, positron emission tomography; SPECT, single photon emission computed tomography.