Sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction: Pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges, and clinical outcomes: A narrative mini review

Sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction (SICD), also called septic cardiomyopathy, is a common complication seen in patients with sepsis and septic shock. It means the heart becomes weak during severe infection and cannot pump blood effectively. This condition can happen even in people who did not have previous heart disease. The exact cause of SICD is complex and involves many factors. These include strong inflammation in the body, release of harmful cytokines, reduced energy production in heart cells due to mitochondrial damage, and problems in calcium handling inside the heart muscle. Changes in blood flow at the small vessel level also contribute to heart dysfunction.
Diagnosing SICD is challenging because its signs overlap with other effects of sepsis. Doctors mainly use echocardiography to assess heart function and blood tests such as troponin and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) to support diagnosis. However, no single test can confirm the condition. Although SICD is often reversible, it is linked with worse outcomes, including low blood pressure requiring strong medications, longer ICU stays, and higher risk of death.
This mini review summarizes current knowledge about the causes, diagnosis, and outcomes of sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction. It also highlights the need for better diagnostic tools and early recognition to improve patient care.