Transesophageal echocardiography in endocarditis.

TEE plays a central role in the diagnosis and management of infective endocarditis. In experienced hands this technique is probably over 90% sensitive and specific for the detection of intracardiac lesions associated with endocarditis. TEE should be performed as soon as possible once endocarditis is suspected. A technically adequate negative study almost always means a low probability of endocarditis. Transesophageal imaging appears to be an accurate method of detecting leaflet perforation as well as abscess and fistula formation.