Table 1.

Non-invasive imaging in the assessment of LA function

Imaging modalities	Strengths	Limitations
Speckle tracking echocardiography	Safe Versatile Widely available technique High temporal resolution No radiation exposure or use of contrast	The need for high-quality image, acquisition at high frame rate. Anatomical plane restrictions Inter-observer variability
Cardiac magnetic resonance-feature tracking	Wide field of view High spatial resolution Excellent reproducibility Low intra- and inter-observer variability High tracking quality	Low availability Costs Intrinsic or extrinsic factors of the patient (claustrophobia, metallic implants, allergy, ability to hold breath, and arrhythmia) Long scan times