Table 2

Advantages of different imaging modalities

EchocardiographyCardiac CTNuclear imagingCMR
Portability++NotNotNot
Patient ease++++++++
Access++++++/++Limited, but increasing
RadiationNone+++++None
Cost££££££££
Some unique features

  • High temporal and spatial resolution easily employable in peri-operative setting

  • Limited by image quality

  • Mature technique

  • High spatial resolution

  • Isotropic datasets (3D)

  • Excellent blood tissue interface

  • Tissue discrimination

  • Tissue tracers can be used for a wide variety of indications

  • Mature technique

  • Scar imaging

  • Detection of iron

  • Gold standard for quantification of size and function

  • Tissue characterisation

  • CMR, cardiovascular magnetic resonance; 3D, three-dimensional.