Enhanced morphological diagnosis in XXXX by transoesophageal echocardiography.

@entity1 @entity340 @entity47 @entity884
Thirty three consecutive @entity1 with clinically suspected @entity884 were studied by both precordial cross sectional echocardiography and transoesophageal echocardiography. The diagnostic value of both techniques was assessed. The data were compared with findings at operation in 25 @entity1 . In 21 @entity1 with @entity340 precordial echocardiography showed evidence of @entity47 in six @entity1 and suggested their presence in nine. Transoesophageal echocardiography identified @entity47 in 18 @entity1 . Complications were seen in four @entity1 at precordial echocardiography and in nine @entity1 at transoesophageal echocardiography. Precordial echocardiography did not show @entity47 in any of the 12 @entity1 with @entity340 whereas transoesophageal echocardiography showed @entity47 in four. Complications were seen in four @entity1 at precordial echocardiography and in 10 at transoesophageal echocardiography. Echocardiographic findings were confirmed at operation in all 25 operated @entity1 . In two @entity1 both echocardiographic techniques had missed the perforation of the cusps of the aortic valve that was seen at operation, but this had no effect on @entity1 management. Transoesophageal echocardiography is the best diagnostic approach when @entity884 is suspected in @entity1 with either native or prosthetic valves.
