Non-invasive detection of vulnerable coronary plaque

Table 1 Characteristics of the “ideal” non-invasive imaging modality

Patient-related factors	Technical factors
Absence of ionizing radiation	Rapid image acquisition
Spacious (minimize claustrophobia)	High spatial resolution
Suitable for all (not precluded by aneurysm clips/pacemaker leads)	High contrast resolution
Absence of breath-holding	High temporal resolution
Administration of extrinsic contrast agents unnecessary	Electrocardiogram and respiratory gating
Wide range of clinical indications	Not limited by cardiac arrhythmia
	Provides both anatomic and metabolic information
	Reproducible
	Accurate