To evaluate long-term prognosis among septic shock patients by stratified two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging.

38 septic shock survivors were followed up for 6 months and 35 matched healthy people as control. The assessment of longitudinal and circumferential strains of the endocardium, myocardium, epicardium, and global myocardium was performed with the stratified speckle tracking imaging technique (GE vivid E9 and Echopac).

(1)There was no significant difference in heart rate between septic shock group and control group (F=1.668, P=0.177). In septic shock group, LVEF did not change in the first follow-up month (P>0.05), but decreased significantly both in the third and in the sixth follow-up month (all P<0.05). There was a significant difference in LVEF of the sixth follow-up month and E/Em of the first, third, sixth follow-up month between groups (all P<0.05). (2)There was no significant change in heart rate or E/Em among different follow-up time points in septic shock group (P>0.05). LVEF and the absolute value of GLS, GRS, GCS were significantly reduced in 6 months′ follow up; LVEDV significantly increased in 6 months′ follow up (all P<0.05). (3)The longitudinal and circumferential strains of the endocardium, myocardium, and epicardium in septic shock group were significantly lower than those in healthy control group (all P<0.05).

The longitudinal and circumferential strains of the endocardium, myocardium, epicardium and global myocardium in septic shock patients are all decreased afterwards. The stratified speckle tracking imaging technique can be used to evaluate changes in myocardial systolic function. Moreover, this noninvasive assessment can provide predictive values for prognosis of cardiac function in septic shock patients and therefore guide clinical treatment.