Succesful use of methylene blue in a patient with refractory shock on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Abstract

Refractory circulatory shock is associated with excessive mortality in critically ill patients. Non-adrenergic vasopressors, including methylene blue, are often considered as an adjuvant therapy to the ordinary vasopressor treatment.

In this case report we present a case of successful use of methylene blue reversing refractory septic shock in a patient on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation due to septic cardiomyopathy.

Keywords

• methylene blue
• distributive shock
• refractory vasoplegia
• cardiomyopathy
• extracorporeal membrane oxygenation