Circulatory failure during severe hyperthermia in dog

The effect of acute hyperthermia on circulatory function was studied in 6 mongrel dogs. At a core temperature of about 40 degrees C, central venous pressure and stroke volume were maintained at almost normal level. Cardiac output significantly increased (26 ml/(kg . min)) while systemic vascular resistance significantly decreased (1.2 mmHg . sec/ml). In addition, significant decrease in vascular compliance by 40% was observed. When body temperature was raised further (severe hyperthermia), an abrupt fall of arterial pressure was observed at the rectal temperature of about 41-42 degrees C. Concomitant decreases in central venous pressure (3 mmHg), stroke volume (2.1 ml/beat) and cardiac output (29 ml/(kg . min)) were observed while heart rate increased (48 beats/min). These results suggest that the decrease in cardiac output during severe hyperthermia is due to the fall of central venous pressure, and the fall was attributed to the increase in unstressed vascular volume of systemic circulation due to the heat-induced cutaneous vasodilation. The observed decrease in systemic vascular compliance is considered to have a significant role in the maintenance of central venous pressure under hyperthermia.