[Indications for transthoracic echocardiography among patients hospitalized in the internal medicine ward].

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) performed by a cardiologist is the first choice for exploring cardiac function and anatomy. Its performance and availability increase the demand for this examination, but this is not always justified. According to criteria published in 2011, the practice of a TTE is classified as appropriate, inappropriate or of uncertain value, depending on the clinical indication.