The finding of second-degree and high-grade atrioventricular block in a patient with severe accidental hypothermia is described. Additional findings included atrial fibrillation, severe sinus bradycardia, and prominent J (Osborn) waves. This case represents, to the authors' knowledge, the first report of advanced spontaneous AV block not induced by atrial pacing in severe accidental hypothermia. Reversal of the block, and other characteristic changes, suggest a relationship to low temperature.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Martinez-Lopez G.: Induced hypothermia: Electrocardiographic abnormalities. South Med J69:1548-1550, 1976.
2.
Okada M.: The cardiac rhythm in accidental hypothermia. J Electrocardiol17:123-128, 1984.
3.
Jacob AI, Lichstein E., Ulano SD, et al: A-V block in accidental hypothermia. J Electrocardiol11:399-402, 1978.
4.
Trevino A., Razi B., Beller BM: The characteristic electrocardiogram of accidental hypothermia. Arch Int Med127:470-473, 1971.
5.
Zeana G., Tatu G.: Electrocardiographic alteration induced by accidental hypothermia. Rev Roum Méd4:289-291, 1984.
6.
Gould L., Gopalaswamy C., Kim BS, et al: The Osborn wave in hypothermia. Angiology36:125-129, 1985.