Transesophageal echocardiography in endocarditis.
TEE plays a central role in the diagnosis and management of infective endocarditis. In experienced hands this technique is probably over 90% sensitive and specific for the detection of intracardiac lesions associated with endocarditis. TEE should be performed as soon as possible once endocarditis is suspected. A technically adequate negative study almost always means a low probability of endocarditis. Transesophageal imaging appears to be an accurate method of detecting leaflet perforation as well as abscess and fistula formation.
Shively
B K
BK
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.
D000785:Aneurysm, Infected / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D004696:Endocarditis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans