ABSTRACT
Echocardiography has become an exceedingly useful study in the noninvasive evaluation of cardiac disease. It is biologically safe and can therefore be repeated often without concern for exposure. Real-time two-dimensional imaging provides data on ventricular size and function, including both global and regional wall abnormalities. It also provides information on valve morphology and function such as leaflet prolapse or leaflet motion abnormalities, or the presence of masses or vegetations. Adding Doppler velocities provides specific information in evalu ating the severity of valvular disease including pressure gradient and valve area. Most valvular heart disease requiring surgical intervention can be adequately di agnosed and assessed on the basis of history, physical exam and echocardiogram.
