Table 1.

Advantages and disadvantages of each cardiovascular imaging method. * Unless performed in expert centers where non-MRI conditional devices are performed in adults.

Modality	Advantages	Disadvantages
Echocardiography	Low cost, widely available, radiation free Provides simultaneous assessment of dynamic gradients and valvular heart disease	Limited image quality in poor acoustic windows High operator dependence
Nuclear Imaging	Good spatial resolution Can assess cardiac metabolism Can complement other modalities in hybrid machines	Requires radiation exposure Requires management of radioactive tracers
Computed Tomography (CT)	High spatial resolution Provides simultaneous assessment of coronary anatomy Dual source CT scans significantly reduced radiation exposure and improved image quality even at higher heart rates The 16-cm wide-detector CT permits single-heartbeat and free-breathing scans with low radiation doses and good diagnostic image quality	Requires radiation exposure and the use of iodinated contrast agent Requires cooperation and is therefore limited to more compliant children Single heart-beat scans are limited in stress imaging
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR)	Gold standard for volumetric assessment Radiation free Provides complimentary tissue characterization	Contraindicated in patients with non-conditional devices * Longer acquisition time and cooperation (breath-holding) required