The Added Value of 3D Transesophageal Chocardiography over 2D Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Assessment of Infective Endocarditis

Infective endocarditis is a peculiar disease that still carries a poor prognosis and high mortality despite major advances in both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. It is not a uniform disease, but presents in a variety of different forms, varying according to the initial clinical manifestations, the underlying cardiac disease (if any), the microorganism involved, the presence or absence of complications, and underlying patient characteristics. The incidence of infective endocarditis ranges from one country to another within 3–10 episodes/100 000 person-years. Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography has been conceived as one of the most promising methods for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis, and recently has become an integral clinical tool. The aim of this study was to evaluate the added value of 3D transesophageal echocardiography over 2D transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis.