Osborn waves in severe accidental hypothermia secondary to prolonged immobilization and malnutrition.
We report the case of a 77-year-old man, in whom accidental hypothermia was secondary to prolonged immobilization and malnutrition. The electrocardiogram showed typical Osborn waves, which disappeared with the rewarming of the patient. The diagnosis of hypothermia is easy in patients with a history of prolonged exposure to a cold environment but accidental hypothermia may also occur as a consequence of prolonged immobilization and malnutrition. ECG analysis is very important for a correct and fast diagnosis.
Rotondi
Francesco
F
Division of Cardiology, San Giuseppe Moscati Hospital, Avellino, Italy. francesco.rotondi@tin.it
Manganelli
Fiore
F
Candelmo
Fiore
F
Marino
Luciano
L
Di Lorenzo
Emilio
E
Alfano
Ferdinando
F
Stanco
Giovanni
G
Rosato
Giuseppe
G
D000368:Aged; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D007103:Immobilization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017694:Rewarming; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors