Figure 1From: Arterial dP/dtmax accurately reflects left ventricular contractility during shock when adequate vascular filling is achieved LV contractility assessed by both Ees and arterial dP/dt max . Basal conditions ('basal'), immediately after endotoxin infusion ('endo'), during shock with and without catecholamine infusion ('catechol' and 'shock' respectively). Values are given as mean ± SD. All directional changes in contractility were significant (p < 0.05) for each challenge, except between 'basal' and 'endo'.Back to article page