Systolic and diastolic dysfunction in the intensive care unit

Both systolic and diastolic dysfunction in the pediatric population can be identified by bedside echocardiography and can guide therapy and evaluate response to therapy. Isolated diastolic dysfunction is rare in children; however many conditions can lead to systolic dysfunction. In this review various echocardiographic techniques to evaluate both systolic and diastolic function as well as etiologies of systolic and diastolic dysfunction seen in the intensive care setting are discussed.