[Sources of error in the preparation and interpretation of echocardiograms (author's transl)].

Diagnostic ultrasound is able to provide important information on cardiac structure and motion. Diagnostic errors and misinterpretations however are not uncommon, due to the manner in which data are acquired and recorded during the echocardiographic examination. This paper discusses the characteristic echocardiographic patterns of a variety of important changes in the mitral valve, the left ventricle, and the interventricular and interatrial septum as well as the influence of respiration on the performance of echocardiography. Essential pitfalls in establishing a correct diagnosis in each of these conditions are emphasized and supported by illustrations.