Related Experiment Videos
Reversible segmental myocardial dysfunction in septic shock
Critical Care Medicine
|June 1, 1986
Insights
Septic shock can mimic myocardial infarction on ECG and echocardiography. Myocardial dysfunction in sepsis may resolve, highlighting the need for cautious interpretation of cardiac imaging in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.
- Myocardial dysfunction is a known complication of septic shock, but its underlying mechanisms and diagnostic markers are not fully understood.
Observation:
- Two patients with septic shock presented with electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiographic findings suggestive of myocardial infarction.
- Autopsy revealed no evidence of coronary artery disease or myocardial injury in either patient.
Findings:
- Septic shock can induce segmental myocardial dyskinesis, mimicking acute myocardial infarction.
- Complete resolution of myocardial dysfunction was observed in one patient, suggesting a reversible process.
Implications:
- ECG and echocardiographic findings in septic shock require cautious interpretation due to potential for false positives for myocardial infarction.
- Further research is needed to differentiate sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction from ischemic heart disease in critically ill patients.
Abstract:
We report two septic-shock patients who had ECG and echocardiographic changes consistent with myocardial infarction but no evidence of coronary artery disease or myocardial injury at autopsy. The segmental myocardial dysfunction completely resolved in one patient. Because septic shock can cause segmental myocardial dyskinesis, ECG and echocardiographic data may be misleading and should be interpreted cautiously.