Table 2.
Different imaging modalities for the evaluation of dilated cardiomyopathy [adapted from Masci and Maestrini (35)].
| Echo | CMR | SPECT | PET | CT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chamber dimensions | ++ | +++ | ++ | ++ | ++ |
| Systolic function | ++ | +++ | ++ | ++ | ++ |
| Diastolic function | +++ | + | + | – | – |
| Morphologic assessment | ++ | +++ | – | – | – |
| Dyssynchrony | ++ | + | + | – | – |
| Ischemia | ++ | +++ | ++ | +++ | – |
| Metabolism | – | + | – | +++ | – |
| Tissue characterization | – | +++ | – | + | + |
| Coronary arteries | – | ++ | – | – | +++ |
| Valve disease | +++ | ++ | – | – | + |
| Pulmonary hypertension | ++ | – | – | – | – |
| Limitations | Acoustic window limitation Operator dependency | AvailabilityMetallic implantsUse of contrast | Radiation exposure Attenuation artifacts | Radiation exposureAvailabilityCost | Radiation exposure Low quality in arrhythmias |
Echo, echocardiography; CMR, cardiac magnetic resonance; CT, computed tomography; PET, positron emission tomography; SPECT, single photon emission computed tomography. The crosses represent how helpful each test is in assessing the index parameter.