[The best of echocardiography in 2005]

Echocardiography continues to evolve in several directions: on the technical front, various tools are being developed and real time 3D is starting to find a place in routine practice as much as contrast is used unequally depending on the country. On the diagnostic front, certain aspects have been particularly emphasised this year: The key role of quantification of valvulopathies in order to guide management, both at rest and on effort. The place of echocardiography in asynchronism, even if a more consensual strategy is needed to take into account the different approaches. The very good prognostic series on stress echography in the context of myocardial ischaemia. Advances in the evaluation of filling pressures have allowed a better definition of the limits, and have refined the understanding of so-called 'diastolic' cardiac failure. Finally, the role of echography to guide and also evaluate the results of foramen ovale or interatrial communication closure.