title: Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography for the evaluation of cardiac tumors, thrombi, and valvular vegetations.
abstract: Echocardiography is commonly used for the detection, assessment, and diagnosis of intracardiac masses. Since the introduction of M-Mode ultrasound in 1954, the subsequent development of two-dimensional Doppler, and transesophageal echocardiographic techniques have shown clinical efficacy in the evaluation of intracardiac pathology. The various presentations of cardiac tumors, thrombi, and valvular vegetations can pose a diagnostic challenge. In addition, once a diagnosis is established, data regarding risk stratification and prognosis are often required for further management. Echocardiography can serve these clinical needs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, IL 60141.
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: E K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Louie
mesh_terms: D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000150:complications; D006325:Heart Atria; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006338:Heart Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D009232:Myxoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000150:complications; D012207:Rhabdomyoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*