Echo-Based Hemodynamics to Help Guide Care in Cardiogenic Shock: a Review

Abstract

Purpose of Review: The purpose of this review is to discuss the value of echocardiography-based hemodynamic assessment for management of patients with acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock, with literature review of up-to-date clinical science in this area. To illustrate clinical utility, we describe a case of a 64-year-old male with cardiogenic shock requiring temporary mechanical support for whom echocardiography was used among other techniques for hemodynamic evaluation and management. Recent Findings: There is a growing body of literature on the use of echocardiography for hemodynamic assessment of patients with acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock. This includes data on the use of well-established parameters such as assessment of volume status and cardiac output, as well as newer parameters including cardiac power output and pulmonary artery pulsatility index. Summary: Echocardiography is a vital non-invasive tool for hemodynamic diagnosis and management of patients with acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock.