Avoid transesophageal echocardiography to detect cardiac sources of embolization if a source has been identified and patient management will not change.

Website maintenance is planned from 8:00 a.m. CDT Saturday, July 27, through 9:00 p.m. CDT Sunday, July 28. Brief disruptions may occur during this time.

Rationale and Comments

Tests whose results will not alter management should not be ordered. Protocol-driven testing can be useful if it serves as a reminder not to omit a test or procedure, but should always be individualized to the particular patient. While transesophageal echocardiography is safe, even the small degree of risk associated with a procedure is not justified if there is no expected clinical benefit.

Sponsoring Organizations

American Society of Echocardiography

Sources

ACC/AHA guidelines

Disciplines

Cardiovascular

References

Douglas PS, et al. ACCF/ASE/AHA/ASNC/HFSA/HRS/ SCAI/SCCM/SCCT/SCMR 2011 appropriate use criteria for echocardiography. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2011;24:229-67.