Cardiogenic shock masquerading as septic shock

Shock is an acute, dynamic process that occurs when there is inadequate delivery of oxygen to meet tissue metabolic demands. In children, shock is relatively uncommonly encountered in the emergency department and has a high mortality rate. Recognition and differentiation of shock can be challenging. Early recognition of the etiology of shock and aggressive, prompt treatment may be lifesaving. As cardiac disorders are responsible for only 5% of cases of pediatric shock, recognition of cardiogenic shock requires a high index of suspicion. In this article, we will review the presentation of the most common etiologies of cardiogenic shock in the pediatric population and discuss the early treatment and stabilization of these disease processes.