In this case you will see 2 echos from the same patient only 1 day apart.  The patient had raging septic shock from a skin source and was requiring significant hemodynamic support.  You can appreciate the cardiac dysfunction from a 2D point of view but also from a quantitative point of view.  The next day – you will see significant changes, now off inotropes (epinephrine, milrinone and norepinephrine).

*Images courtesy of Dr. Vincent Lau, critical care fellow, Western University

Case Highlights:

*Septic cardiomyopathy is a common cause of LV and/or RV dysfunction in the context of severe sepsis or septic shock

*Point-of-care echo can be used repeatedly to recognize  often rapid changes in cardiac function that occur during septic illness

*Quantitative stroke volume determination (using VTI from the LVOT) can additionally support your findings and guide management

For a similar case on septic cardiomyopathy, check out CHEST ultrasound corner here.