Role of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Early Detection of Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Overview

This study evaluates the prognostic value of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in assessing left ventricular dysfunction in cancer patients with sepsis. Findings indicate that lower e' velocities are associated with higher 28-day mortality, suggesting POCUS may aid in identifying high-risk patients.

Background

Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) is a significant contributor to mortality in cancer patients. The timely identification of cardiac dysfunction is crucial for improving patient outcomes. POCUS offers a rapid, non-invasive method for assessing cardiac function, yet its specific utility in cancer patients with sepsis has not been thoroughly investigated.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Patients with LV dysfunction (LVEF < 50%) had significantly higher 28-day mortality rates.
• e' velocity was identified as an independent predictor of 28-day survival.
• The combination of e' and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) showed strong predictive value.
• The composite model integrating e', cTnI, SOFA, and APACHE II scores had the highest predictive accuracy.
• Lower POCUS-derived e' is associated with worse survival outcomes in this population.

Clinical Implications

The use of POCUS in assessing LV function can help identify cancer patients with sepsis at higher risk of mortality. Early detection of LV dysfunction may facilitate timely interventions to improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the potential role of POCUS in the early detection of cardiac dysfunction in cancer patients with sepsis, warranting further research to validate these results in larger cohorts.

Related Resources & Content

1. The ASCO Post, 2021 -- Improving Prediction of Risk for 10-Year Left-Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Survivors of Childhood Cancer
2. European Radiology -- Contrast-enhanced CT in sepsis: insights from a European Emergency Radiology survey
3. Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock 2026 | SCCM
4. The ASCO Post — Improving Prediction of Risk for 10-Year Left-Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Survivors of Childhood Cancer
5. European Radiology — The Role of Computed Tomography in Emergency Department Patients with Sepsis: Analyzing Its Impact on Clinical Outcomes
6. Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock 2026 | SCCM
7. Time Course of Morbidity and Mortality Across Echocardiographic Phenotypes in Patients With Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - PubMed
8. The evolution of mortality from sepsis in patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed