Vasoplegic syndrome, characterized by low systemic vascular resistance and hypotension
in the presence of normal or supranormal cardiac function, is a frequent complication of
cardiovascular surgery. It is associated with a diffuse systemic inflammatory response and is
mediated largely through cellular hyperpolarization, high levels of inducible nitric oxide, and
a relative vasopressin deficiency. Cardiopulmonary bypass is a particularly strong
precipitant of the vasoplegic syndrome, largely due to its association with nitric oxide …