A 52-year-old woman with septic shock has been on high-dose vasopressors for 48 hours: noradrenaline 0.8 mcg/kg/min and vasopressin 0.03 units/min. MA...

Question

A 52-year-old woman with septic shock has been on high-dose vasopressors for 48 hours: noradrenaline 0.8 mcg/kg/min and vasopressin 0.03 units/min. MAP remains 55 mmHg. The team notes digital ischaemia with mottled, cyanotic fingers. What is the pathophysiological mechanism of the digital ischaemia?

Accepted Answer

Direct vasopressor-induced peripheral vasoconstriction redirecting blood flow from the periphery to vital organs

Answer

DIC with microvascular thrombosis

Answer

Cardiogenic shock with low cardiac output

Answer

Cholesterol embolisation

Answer

Raynaud's phenomenon

uk-fficm MCQ (SBA): Vasopressor-Induced Ischaemia