Extreme hypothermia and ventricular fibrillation.
A 31-year-old white man with a core temperature of 60.8 F (16 C) and ventricular fibrillation was successfullly resuscitated using active core and external rewarming techniques. Rectal temperature at the time of reestablished electromechanical cardiac activity was 68 F (20 C), a temperature previously thought to be incompatible with successful resuscitation from venticular fibrillation. We are not aware of previous case reports describing survival following a lower documented core temperature.
D000328:Adult; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D010530:Peritoneal Dialysis; D012151:Resuscitation; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000209:etiology*