[The use of echocardiographic studies in neurology]

Transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has become a new valuable method complementary to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), thus markedly increasing the diagnostic accuracy in cases of cardiac and great vessels pathology. Importance of TEE in patient care and therapy in modern cardiology is emphasized. Indications, contraindications, complications as well as advantages and limitations of the technique are discussed. The diagnostic value of TEE is compared to TTE. TEE allows to reveal other sources of cerebral embolism, such as paradoxical embolus, aortic embolism or left atrial thrombus.