Table 4 Comparison of medical imaging technologies for the identification of atherosclerotic plaques in the secondary prevention of macrovascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes
Imaging technology | Resolution | Detection depth | Characteristics for plaque identification | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MRI | High | High | Plaque Composition and Stability | No Radiation, High Contrast | Expensive, Time-Consuming |
CT | Medium | High | Plaque Calcification and Location | Fast, High Resolution | Radiation Risk |
PET | Low | High | Plaque Activity and Inflammation | High Sensitivity | Expensive, Radioactive Drugs |
SPECT | Low | High | Plaque Activity and Inflammation | High Sensitivity | Radiation Risk, Low Resolution |
US | Medium | Medium | Plaque Morphology and Blood Flow | Non-Invasive, Real-Time | Limited Detection Depth |
OI | High | Low | Plaque Surface Features | High Resolution | Limited Detection Depth |
OCT | High | Low | Plaque Microstructure | High Resolution, No Radiation | Limited Detection Depth, Expensive Equipment |
PAI | High | Medium | Plaque Composition and Blood Flow | High Resolution, Multimodal | Technically Complex, Expensive Equipment |