Pros | Cons | Luminal definition | Arterial wall and plaque | Spatial resolution | Hemodynamic information | |
DSA |
|
| ++++ | +++ | ++++ | ++++ |
CTA |
|
| +++ | +++ | ++ | + |
MRA |
|
| +++ | + | ++ | + |
HR-MRI |
|
| +++ | ++++ | +++ | + |
Transcranial US |
|
| + | + | + | ++ |
IVUS |
|
| +++ | ++++ | ++++ | + |
OCT |
|
| ++++ | ++++ | ++++ | + |
The accuracy of diagnostic ability is marked by the number of plus signs (+), from + (less accurate) to ++++ (most accurate).
CTA, CT angiography; DSA, digital subtraction angiography; HR-MRI, high resolution MRI; IVUS, intravenous ultrasound; MRA, MR angiography; OCT, optical coherence tomography.