Myocardial dysfunction in sepsis: A large, unsolved puzzle

Abstract

Sepsis has high incidence and mortality rates around the world. The role of cardiac depression in myocardial dysfunction during sepsis remains to be elucidated. This review attempts to summarize our understanding of the anatomical, histopathological, and pathophysiological mechanisms behind cardiac dysfunction. Biomarkers to detect cardiac depression have been used to recognize developing problems, but the actual impact of these tools remains unclear. © 2012 Constantino Jose Fernandes Jr. and Murillo Santucci Cesar de Assuncao.