Abstract
BACKGROUND: Septic shock is a subset of sepsis accompanied by profound circulatory and cellular metabolism abnormalities. Although veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) can provide temporary cardiac support to improve organ perfusion, hemodynamic support by VA-ECMO for adult patients with septic shock is still controversial. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old man was transferred to our hospital with generalized weakness. He suffered septic shock refractory to vasopressors and inotropes, and his cardiac function deteriorated rapidly. Because of concern for sudden cardiac arrest, he was placed on VA-ECMO 9 h after his arrival. Blood culture was positive for Aeromonas hydrophila. He was weaned off VA-ECMO on day 7 and was discharged without any sequelae on day 30. CONCLUSION: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a viable treatment option for adult patients with refractory septic shock accompanied by cardiac dysfunction. Further research is warranted to identify the candidates for support by VA-ECMO in a timely fashion.