Osborn J wave in a patient with accidental hypothermia — case report

Abstract

Hypothermia could cause dysfunction of many organs. Any reduction in body temperature affects the circulatory system. Even slightly temperature reduction may result compensatory reactions in the circulatory system, and with significant hypothermia life-threatening arrhythmias are observed. A case of a homeless man, who was found in snow was de- scribed. In the course of moderate hypothermia paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and Osborna wave (the so-called J wave) in the electrocardiogram (ECG) was observed. After treatment and warming-up to normal body temperature the sinus rhythm was restored and morphology of the QRS complex was normal. On the basis of the case and literature in this paper cardiological disorders in hypothermia manifested by the Osborn wave in the ECG was presented.