[2-dimensional echocardiography in acquired heart valve defects].

A fundamental improvement in the diagnosis of acquired valvular defects has been achieved by the introduction of two-dimensional echocardiography. For the first time, it has now become possible to visualize the underlying morphological changes direct and true to anatomy. Additional information is supplied by a detailed study of the dynamics of the affected valve. At present, limited information only can be obtained in respect of the haemodynamic severity of the defect. In the near future, however, we may expect advances also in quantitative respect, from a combination of this method with Doppler echocardiography or contrast echocardiography.