Unusual complications after rewarming for deep accidental hypothermia
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Establishment of Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest in Rats
Published on: December 16, 2022
M Vionnet1, X Mueller, L K von Segesser
1Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland. vionnetm@hopcantfr.ch
Abstract:
Deep accidental hypothermia is an uncommon pathology. Successful management has been reported in isolated cases, but the majority of patients die from complications after rewarming. We report on a patient with deep accidental hypothermia after a mountaineering accident. He was successfully rewarmed with cardiopulmonary bypass, but presented several complications which led to death. These complications included the patient developing acute peritonitis and necrotizing fasciitis, which represent, to our knowledge, complications that have never been associated with deep accidental hypothermia before.
Related Concept Videos
Decreased Body Temperature
Healing II: Complications
Increased Body Temperature
Homeostatic Imbalances in Body Temperature
Methods of reducing fever
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:
Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...

