Sepsis and Common Infections in Interventional Radiology

Sepsis is a clinical syndrome encompassing physiologic and biologic abnormalities caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. If sepsis progresses into septic shock it is associated with a high mortality, therefore early identification and treatment is critical. Interventional radiologists often perform treatments which may cause or temporarily exacerbate sepsis. Therefore, it is important for the interventional radiologist to recognize early signs of sepsis and understand sepsis treatment protocols. These protocols include source control of infections, administration of systemic broad-spectrum antibiotics, as well as fluid and cardiopulmonary support. The present manuscript provides an overview of sepsis, common infections encountered in interventional radiology, and sepsis management.