**6. Conclusion**

Either noninvasive or invasive imaging techniques have their unique properties in detecting the vulnerable plaque; however, none of the individual imaging techniques is able to provide complete plaque assessment. There has been a considerable effort to develop the imaging modalities that offer detailed visualization of coronary pathology and accurately predict the adverse cardiac outcomes. Combination of imaging techniques in single examination would provide mechanistic insight into the development and pathophysiology of the vulnerability of the plaque. To translate imaging information into clinical application, it requires randomized trials investigating whether interventions according to the imaging findings can improve clinical outcomes, along with an intensifying improvement of imaging technologies.
