| Noninvasive imaging technique | Spatial resolution | Plaque characteristic identified | Advantages | Limitations |
| CT | 50 micron | Plaque morphology (eccentric pattern, outward remodelling, and spotty calcifications), coronary plaque burden, cap thickness, and macrophages (N1177-specific contrast agent) | High spatial and temporal resolution, real time, quite fast, operator-independent, and excellent calcium detection | Radiation exposure, contrast, difficult to distinguish thrombus, blooming artefacts by calcium, and claustrophobia |
| MRI | 10–100 micron | Plaque morphology, plaque composition, lipid-rich necrotic core, intraplaque haemorrhage, neoangiogenesis, macrophages, flow measurement, and quantification of stenosis | No radiation, high soft tissue contrast, can be repeated over time, functional, operator-independent, with or without contrast, and many plaque components detected | Low resolution, system fibrosis due to contrast agent, time-consuming, metal implants contraindicated, claustrophobia, cardiac motion artefact, and limited spatial resolution |
| Ultrasound | 50 micron | Plaque morphology, intima media thickness, flow velocities, and neoangiogenesis (contrast US) | High temporal resolution, cheap, easy to use, no radiation, bedside/large availability, fastest, and functional | Limited sensitivity and specificity, interobserver variability, calcium and air artefacts, limited spatial resolution, and penetration |
| PET | 1-2 millimeters | Plaque inflammation, macrophages, and neoangiogenesis | High sensitivity and specific targets are detected | Limited resolution, radiation exposure, expensive, limited availability, myocardial uptake of FDG, and cardiac motion artefact |
| SPECT | 0.3–1 millimeters | Plaque inflammation, apoptosis, lipoprotein accumulation, chemotaxis, angiogenesis, proteolysis, and thrombogenicity. | High sensitivity, low cost, and more spatial resolution as compared with PET | Limited resolution, nonspecificity, radiation exposure, limited availability, and cardiac motion artefact |
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