Transesophageal vs. Transthoracic Echocardiography: A Comparative Analysis in Cardiac Imaging: Review Article

Background: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) are critical imaging modalities in cardiovascular diagnostics and management. TTE, a non-invasive and repeatable technique, is vital for initial evaluation of tricuspid regurgitation (TR), ventricular function and chamber dimensions. However, it has limitations in patients with obesity, hyperinflated lungs, or postoperative conditions. TEE, with its proximity to the heart, offers superior image resolution and diagnostic accuracy, making it indispensable in intraoperative and critically ill settings. TEE excels in detecting far-field structures, guiding transcatheter interventions, and providing real-time hemodynamic monitoring, albeit with risks associated with probe insertion.
Objective: This article aimed to compare the roles, advantages, limitations, and clinical utilization of transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography in cardiac imaging and management.
Methods: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct for Transthoracic echocardiography, Transesophageal echocardiography and Cardiac imaging. Only the thorough investigation, from 1994 to 2019, was taken into account. The writers evaluated relevant literature references as well. Documents written in languages other than English have been ignored. Papers that were not regarded as significant scientific research included dissertations, oral presentations, conference abstracts, and unpublished manuscripts were excluded.
Conclusion: TEE and TTE serve distinct yet complementary roles in cardiac imaging. Whereas TTE is the modality of choice for initial, non-invasive assessments, TEE provides superior diagnostic value in complex cases, intraoperative scenarios, and critically ill patients. Selecting the appropriate modality based on patient condition and clinical requirements optimizes diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.