The most accurate diagnostic test is?
transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
Echocardiogram is the gold standard for diagnosing valvular diseases and is the primary means for assessing its severity.
Echocardiogram can be performed both transthoracic (TTE), as well as transesophageal (TEE) and allows visualization of the valves along with flow of blood through the heart’s chambers.
Transesophageal being more accurate to visualize posterior structures such as the MITRAL Valve.
Echocardiograms are used clinically to assess ejection fraction and ventricular pathologies that lead to cardiac morbidity and mortality.