[Modern echocardiography: possibilities and limitations]

Echocardiography has revolutionized the cardiac evaluation in non-invasive cardiology. Two-dimensional and colour Doppler echocardiography have the potential to provide quantitative insighths into the hearts anatomy, valve and ventricular function in a excellent time and spacial resolution. In addition integration of Doppler allows the quantification of stenotic lesions and hemodynamics. Stressechocardiography has gained wide acceptance for the evaluation of ischemia. Reduced echoquality can be overcome by latest probe technology (harmonic imaging and postprocessing), transesophageal echocardiography and echocontrast studies. However echocontrast will be used for myocardial perfusion imaging also. Three dimensional echocardiography is ready for clinical application. Good formation and continuous training in echocardiography according to international guidelines will help to reduce interobserver and intraobserver variability.