Dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in critical illness: etiology-driven management and the role of bedside transthoracic echocardiography.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) is an increasingly recognized life-threatening condition in critically ill patients, with ICU mortality rates reaching 53% in septic shock populations. Bedside transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has become indispensable for early detection due to its diagnostic sensitivity and real-time monitoring capabilities in ICU settings.

Cases

We present three prototypical cases managed at our tertiary center: (1) A 66-year-old male with volume depletion-induced LVOTO (peak gradient 29 mmHg) reversed by fluid resuscitation; (2) A 71-year-old female developing inotrope-induced obstruction (36 mmHg gradient) requiring β-blockade; and (3) A septic shock patient with severe LVOTO managed through combined fluid resuscit

SUBMITTER: Li X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12664129 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature