1. Both TTE and TEE are recommended in suspected or definite PVE.
2. Perivalvular complications are frequent in PVE and are better assessed by TEE.
3. The sensitivity of echocardiography is lower in PVE than in NVE.
4. Peroperative and postoperative echocardiographic assessments of patients with PVE are recommended.
5. Repeat echocardiography after discharge is recommended in PVE treated by medical thrapy alone because of the risk of late prosthetic dysfunction.