TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Transoesophageal echocardiography gives unparalleled views of the post erior structures of the heart. It is the investigation of choice for t he diagnosis of acute dissection of the aorta, in patients with endoca rditis, management of the hypotensive patient in the intensive care un it, and in the search for a potential cardiac source of thromboembolis m. However, it is a semi-invasive procedure, and proper training is re quired to carry it out safely, to ensure that maximum information is o btained at the time of examination, and to avoid diagnostic pitfalls.