Catecholamine-induced Changes in the Splanchnic Circulation Affecting Systemic Hemodynamics

THIS article focuses on the effects of catecholamines on the splanchnic circulation that influence systemic hemodynamics (particularly venous return and cardiac output) under normal physiologic conditions. Because of its required brevity, this article could not address other important hemodynamic effects of catecholamines, such as those that result from metabolic alterations, effects on the circulatory system that do not involve the splanchnic organs, and those that accompany major pathophysiologic states, such as sepsis or congestive heart failure.