Summary

The ischemic cascade is the sequence of pathophysiological events following cardiac ischemia. Several imaging techniques (eg, single-photon emission computed tomography, stress echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography scans) have been used to detect myocardial ischemia, while cineangiography and computed tomography angiography have been used to evaluate anatomy. However, accurate noninvasive assessment of combined anatomy and function of coronary artery disease (CAD) is challenging. This article discusses obstacles and advances in imaging technologies used to guide the management of patients with CAD.