1. Both TTE and TEE are mandatory in the majority of patients with suspected or definite IE.
2. The sensitivity and specificity of echocardiography are reduced in some subgroups, including PVE and patients with intracardiac devices.
3. Echocardiography must be performed early, as soon as the diagnosis of IE is suspected and must be repeated in case of persisting high level of clinical suspicion.
4. All echographic results must be interpreted taking into account the clinical presentation of the patient.