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Infective endocarditis remains a serious and complex disease with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the clinical usefulness of 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography for the spatial assessment of aortic valve endocarditis. This case showed severe destruction of the aortic valve with perforations by endocarditis.

Prompt and correct diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective treatment of aortic (Ao) dissection. Recent studies have demonstrated the usefulness of newly developed imaging modalities for diagnosis of Ao dissection (digital subtraction arteriography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and transoesophageal echocardiography). The aim of this study was to demonstrate the clinical usefulness of real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography for the spatial assessment of the Ao tract. Our case suggested that real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography is a valuable method for real-time noninvasive spatial evaluation of dissection of the Ao tract.