Reversible myocardial dysfunction, a possible complication in critically ill patients without heart disease.

Purpose: Reversible myocardial dysfunction or myocardial stunning is frequently described in patients with episodes of acute coronary syndrome and has recently been reported in critically ill patients without ischaemic heart disease. This article presents a study and description of the possible existence of myocardial dysfunction in critically ill patients in our setting who present no acute episode or history of cardiovascular disease.

Design: Prospective, descriptive study.