Management of cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction.

Cardiogenic shock complicates approximately 5-10% of cases with acute myocardial infarction and carries a poor prognosis. Early revascularization remains the cornerstone treatment of cardiogenic shock complicating myocardial infarction. Inotropic and/or vasopressor agents can be used for haemodynamic stabilization, although this comes at the expense of increased myocardial oxygen consumption and extended myocardial ischaemia. In recent years, the use of mechanical circulatory support has significantly increased. However, there is only limited data available from randomized trials evaluating the different percutaneous support systems. This review summarizes the available literature concerning the management of cardiogenic shock and gives an overview of the recommendations of the European and German-Austrian guidelines on cardiogenic shock.