What is the diagnostic value of echocardiography in suspected endocarditis?
The diagnostic value of echocardiography in suspected endocarditis is supported by various studies, including those by Reynolds et al. (2003), Daniel et al. (1993), and Heidenreich et al. (1999). These studies demonstrate that transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography can be used to accurately detect native valve vegetations and abnormalities of prosthetic and bioprosthetic valves in the mitral and aortic positions. Additionally, a study by Lindner et al. (1996) found that echocardiography can be used to accurately diagnose endocarditis based on the individual's pretest probability of disease.