Comparison of imaging modalities for the evaluation of dilated cardiomyopathy
| 2D echo | 3D echo | CMR | CT | SPECT | PET | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LV volumes and function | ++ | +++ | ++++ | +++ | ++ | ++ |
| Valvular disease | ++++ (TOE optimal) | ++++ (TOE optimal) | +++ | + | − | − |
| Ischaemia/perfusion | +++ | +++ | +++ | + | +++ | ++++ |
| Morphology of the coronary arteries | − | − | ++ | +++ | − | − |
| Imaging fibrosis | − (suspected using speckle tracking) | − | ++++ | ++ | − | ++ |
| Myocyte metabolism | − | − | ++ | − | ++ | ++++ |
| Clinical validation of prognostic tools | ++++ | ++ | +++ | + | ++ | ++ |
| Spatial resolution | +++ | ++ | +++ | +++ | ++ | ++ |
| Temporal resolution | ++++ | +++ | ++ | + | + | + |
| Limitations | Operator dependence, acoustic window | Operator dependence, acoustic window | Availability, incompatible devices, renal failure | Availability, radiation, renal failure | Availability, radiation | Availability, radiation |
CMR, cardiac magnetic resonance; echo, echocardiography; PET, positron emission tomography; SPECT, single photon emission CT; TOE, transoesophageal echocardiography.