Echocardiography

Echocardiography refers to the use of ultrasonography to evaluate the heart. With the help of duplex ultrasonography, one can estimate the ejection fraction, the pressure gradient across valves, the speed of blood through valves, and the pressure of the pulmonary vasculature.

There are two types:

• Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)
  • The ultrasound probe is placed on the chest wall
  • Least invasive
  • Easiest to do
  • Usually the first choice
  • What one usually means when they just say "echocardiography"
• Transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
  • A special ultrasound probe is placed in the oesophagus
  • Gives more information on the ascending aorta and the atria than TTE
  • More invasive, requires sedation

Indications

Echocardiography is the basic imaging modality of the heart, used in most heart disorders, including valvular disorders, wall motion disorders, pericarditis, and pericardial effusion.

Transoesophageal echocardiography is most commonly indicated for infective endocarditis and to rule out left atrial appendage thrombus in case of atrial fibrillation.