Application of strain to assess myocardial function in septic cardiomyopathy

Myocardial dysfunction associated with sepsis, also called septic cardiomyopathy, can be severe, but it has a typical pattern of reversibility over 7 to 10 days. Echocardiography is an important tool that can help recognize it and distinguish it from other causes of myocardial dysfunction. With the new technology of strain, it may be possible to detect such dysfunction early, quantify it objectively, and monitor the progression of disease with proper therapy. We present the following case to illustrate the application of strain in septic cardiomyopathy.