Noninvasive imaging of the cardiovascular system with electron beam computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Two new noninvasive imaging modalities have emerged in recent years that provide images of the heart and great vessels with high temporal and spatial resolution: electron beam (or ultrafast) computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Because both modalities acquire images in three dimensions, they can provide unique diagnostic information above and beyond that of more traditional noninvasive modalities such as two-dimensional echocardiography and radionuclide techniques. This review discusses the technical evolution and clinical application of these two imaging techniques, with particular emphasis on progress made over the past year. Specific areas addressed for each include technical aspects and clinical applications from both the imaging and physiology perspective.