A 58-year-old man on ICU is recovering from septic shock. Vasopressors have been weaned. He now has persistent sinus tachycardia (HR 115 bpm) despite ...

Question

A 58-year-old man on ICU is recovering from septic shock. Vasopressors have been weaned. He now has persistent sinus tachycardia (HR 115 bpm) despite adequate volume status and pain control. TSH, cortisol, and Hb are normal. Echocardiography is unremarkable. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Autonomic dysfunction and persistent sympathetic activation from prolonged critical illness

Answer

Occult PE requiring CTPA

Answer

New-onset thyrotoxicosis

Answer

Beta-blocker withdrawal

Answer

Malignant hyperthermia

uk-fficm MCQ (SBA): Post-Critical Illness Tachycardia

A 58-year-old man on ICU is recovering from septic shock. Vasopressors have been weaned. He now has persistent sinus tachycardia (HR 115 bpm) despite adequate volume status and pain control. TSH, cortisol, and Hb are normal. Echocardiography is unremarkable. What is the most likely cause?