Septic shock is often taught as distributive shock.
That is true, but incomplete.
Many patients with sepsis develop vasodilation, capillary leak, and impaired vascular tone. But some also develop myocardial dysfunction.
This is septic cardiomyopathy.
Septic cardiomyopathy is typically described as reversible myocardial depression during sepsis. It may involve the left ventricle, the right ventricle, or both.
Full post, key takeaways, references, and the rest of the Core Medical Education collection are available for WhiteBoard Medicine members.
How septic shock can impair myocardial performance even when cardiac output appears preserved.
Study Guide TopicShock phenotypes, perfusion assessment, lactate interpretation, and hemodynamic differentiation.
Mini CoursesStructured video chapters, study guides, practice questions, final assessments, and clinical summaries.
Study Guide TopicARDS diagnosis, lung-protective ventilation, driving pressure, VILI, and severe hypoxemia.
Study Guide TopicBlood products, anticoagulation reversal, TEG/ROTEM, sickle cell emergencies, and transfusion decisions.
