Figure 4From: Clinical review: Myocardial depression in sepsis and septic shockSerial changes in right ventricular ejection fraction and end-diastolic volume index during septic shock in humans. (a) Mean initial and final right ventricular ejection fractions for survivors (closed circles, P < 0.001) and nonsurvivors (open circles, P < 0.001). (b) Mean initial and final right ventricular end-diastolic volume index for survivors (closed circles, P < 0.05) and nonsurvivors (open circles, P = not significant). The right ventricle, similar to the left ventricle, undergoes dilation with a drop in ejection fraction with the acute onset of septic shock. In 7–10 days, right ventricular dilation and decreased ejection fraction revert to normal in survivors. Data from [26]; adapted with permission [69].Back to article page