TABLE 3

Selection of the Right Tool for the Job: Imaging Characteristics of Various Tests

ApplicationTechnical requirementTechnique
LV hypertrophy, infiltrationHigh spatial resolutionCardiac MR
LV synchronyHigh temporal resolutionTissue Doppler, strain
LV volumesHigh contrast resolutionCardiac MR, contrast echocardiography
Sequential follow-upHigh repeatabilityCardiac MR, 3D echocardiography
Subclinical cardiomyopathySensitivity to minor changeStrain