USEFULNESS OF 2-DIMENSIONAL TRANSESOPHAGE AL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN THE DETECTION OF LEFT INTRAVENTRICULAR MASSES - BASED UPON A CASE OF APICAL THROMBUS

The authors report a case of left intraventricular thrombus investigat ed by two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Three lo ngitudinal views obtained by rotation, left lateral inclination and by advancing the probe, enabled the precise evaluation of a mass situate d at the apex of the left ventricle, together with ventricular morphol ogy and kinetics. Two-dimensional TEE is electively indicated for conf irmation of the diagnosis of left intraventricular apical masses, in p articular in hypoechogenic patients and to guide possible surgery. The two-plane probe provides a certain number of sections which remain re latively limited but this problem is resolved with the development of multidimensional probes.