Echocardiography in 2009: the future of clinical diagnosis

Over the past 10 years we have observed a tremendous expansion on cardiovascular imaging with breathtaking images observing all aspects of the cardiac anatomy and functions. So much so that each imaging modality has grown to the point that one single individual cannot possess all the required expertise for its optimal use and the need for subspecialization in the various imaging modalities is crucial. Echocardiography has surprised many for its ability to adapt in the ever increasing demand and the discovery of the many new modalities. These include 3D and deformation imaging, as well as contrast utilization during the studies, which will continue to put echocardiography in a league of its own in terms of patients management. Some basic descriptions of the various modalities are summarized and their contribution to a number of clinical scenarios, today and in the future, are explored.