Sepsis myocardial dysfunction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sepsis leads to a complex intramyocardial inflammatory response that results in sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction. Here, recent findings are reviewed in a physiologic context. RECENT FINDINGS: Decreased systolic contractility during sepsis limits ventricular ejection and stroke volume. Initially, this effect is compensated for by increased diastolic filling during volume resuscitation. Reduced afterload due to arterial vasodilation also compensates so that cardiac output can be maintained or increased...