Sepsis-Induced Myocardial Depression and Takotsubo Syndrome

Abstract

Sepsis induced temporary myocardial dysfunction characterized as impairment of myocardial contraction is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in intensive care units. Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is temporary ballooning and dysfunction of the apical part of left ventricle without significant stenosis of coronary arteries. Recently, it was suggested that impairment in regional catecholamine distribution caused by stress factors and excessive cardiac sympathetic activity mechanism play role in sepsis such as other causes of TS. Additionally, vasopressor agents (as noradrenaline) which are widely used in sepsis treatment may be triggering factor. Serial case reports of sepsis associated TS are reported, however pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment strategies of these two different syndromes is not obvious.

Keywords

• Sepsis
• Takotsubo syndrome
• myocardial dysfunction