UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Category: Critical Care

Posted: 5/26/2015 by Mike Winters, MBA, MD
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Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Stress-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) can be seen in a variety of critical illnesses, especially severe neurologic conditions.
SIC is believed to be caused by excess sympathetic stimulation of the myocardium.
When managing a patient with SIC, limit further catecholamine exposure by avoiding vasopressors if possible.
If the patient requires inotropic support, consider using an agent without catecholamine activity, such as milrinone.

Boland TA, et al. Stress-induced cardiomyopathy. Crit Care Med 2015; 43:868-93.