[The current place of diagnostic ultrasound in cardiology]

A non-invasive technique such as echocardiography has numerous advantages over invasive examinations of the cardiovascular system. Echocardiography involves no hazard or risk to the health of the patient, it can be repeated at any time and provides truly basal haemodynamic information by avoiding sedation, excitation of the patient and injection of dye. Problems arising from peculiarities in the behavior of ultrasonic energy and chest malformations in the patient have been largely overcome by technical improvements and a more sophisticated wasy of examination. The current diagnostic applications of echocardiography are reviewed on the basis of our own experience and the advantages and limitations of this method discussed.