Sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening response to infection that can damage organs and requires urgent treatment.
When to get help quickly: Sepsis is always urgent. If it is suspected, emergency medical assessment is needed right away.
Common symptoms
Symptoms can include confusion, extreme shivering or fever, severe breathlessness, feeling very unwell, fast heart rate, reduced urine, or skin that looks mottled or pale.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps when doctors need to find the source of infection quickly, such as pneumonia, an abscess, bowel disease, gallbladder infection, or urinary blockage.
What radiology does
Imaging is often used to help find the source of infection, such as pneumonia, abscess, obstructed kidney, bowel problem, or infected gallbladder.
What usually happens next
Treatment is urgent and usually includes antibiotics, fluids, organ support, and source control when needed.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.