Classic Osborn waves and incessant ventricular fibrillation in severe hypothermia

Author Department

Medicine

Document Type

Article, Peer-reviewed

Publication Date

12-2013

Abstract

Abstract Cardiac arrhythmias in severe hypothermia are common and are managed primarily by re-warming techniques. A 64-year-old male presented with alcohol associated aspiration pneumonia, sepsis and severe hypothermia and was noted to have classic ECG changes of hypothermia, i.e. Osborn waves. The patient had a tumultuous clinical course with prolonged resuscitative measures. Ultimately, an early focus on invasive core temperature re-warming with cardio-pulmonary bypass resulted in a favorable outcome.

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