Two-Dimensional Real-Time Ultrasonic Imaging of the Heart

In the evaluation of patients who have or are suspected indebted to these contributors. This word of thanks falls to have cardiac disease, the use of ultrasound is now an short of my true appreciation for their efforts. established and widely accepted approach. Since its Although an attempt was made to minimize redun­ modest beginning three decades ago, the technique of dancy, in two areas I thought that overlap was indicated. echocardiography developed rapidly. This success can The sections' Diseases of the Myocardium' and' Coro­ be credited to the cooperation between the worlds of nary Heart Disease' take up one of the most important medicine and industry. Recognizing the potential clini­ aspects of cardiac ultrasound, at present and to be ex­ cal utility of this technique, equipment companies de­ pected in the near and distant future, and the emphasis veloped better and better instrumentation, and with provided by its duplication of material in these sections competition came a leveling of the costs of this instru­ was considered not only acceptable but indeed helpful. mentation. We hope that the future will bring not only The section 'Congenital Heart Disease' also has one area of duplication, reflecting the editor's particular in­ continued improvement in technology but also a contin­ ued decrease in cost. terest in double outlet of the right ventricle.