Assessment of endocarditis and associated complications with transesophageal echocardiography

Over the past quarter century, echocardiography has assumed an important role in the diagnosis and management of infective endocarditis (IE). Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) offers higher sensitivity than transthoracic echocardiography for the detection of infective vegetations, prosthetic valve endocarditis, and intracardiac abscesses. TEE is also helpful in assessing the prognosis and response of IE to therapy. Doppler echocardiography from the esophageal window can be used to evaluate valvular regurgitant lesions and other abnormal flow patterns caused by IE. The authors' approach to using TEE in patients with suspected IE is described.