TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN PATIENTS WITH PROSTHETIC HEART-VALVES AND SYSTEMIC EMBOLI - IS IT A USEFUL INVESTIGATION

Aim. We aimed to assess the impact of transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) on the clinical management of patients with prosthetic heart valves who had suffered from a systemic embolus. We wanted to know whether the TOE examination actually changed the management of these patients. Methods. Prospective assessment of 38 TOE studies, with retrospective chart review of the hospital treatment. Results. In 16 TOE studies, no potential cardiac source of emboli was found, however in 22 studies a cardiac abnormality was detected. As a result of the TOE, in 13 cases there was a definite change in clinical management for the patient. Conclusion. A TOE is an important examination for patients with a prosthetic valve who present with a systemic embolus.