Abstract

The aim of this paper is to introduce the prominent in vivo cardiovascular imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear imaging and ultrasound from both the physical and molecular imaging perspectives. A brief introduction to the molecular imaging principles is also reported. Special emphasis will be given to the imaging parameters of sensitivity and spatial resolution, and the trade-off between spatial resolution, image contrast and target size.

Keywords: Imaging technologies, molecular imaging, imaging probes, sensitivity, spatial resolution