Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

A Preclinical Model of Exertional Heat Stroke in Mice
Published on: July 1, 2021
A case of severe heat stroke with abnormal cardiac findings
Shu Wakino1, Shingo Hori, Takuya Mimura
1Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
We document serial changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG) and myocardial markers in a case of severe heat stroke treated with cooling procedures. A 23-year-old comatose male with heat stroke was presented in the emergency room. The condition of the patient was complicated by hepatic failure, rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, and cardiac abnormalities. ECG revealed diffuse ST-T elevation; serum levels of myocardial markers were remarkably high and diffuse hypokinesis was observed on the echocardiogram. Cooling procedures, including applying cold vapor to the patient's skin, a gastric lavage with cold water, and an intravenous cold fluid infusion were not successful. Since multiple organ damage (heart, liver, central nervous system, and kidney) was evident, we utilized continuous hemodialysis and hemofiltration, using cold dialysate for efficient cooling. The patient recovered from the multiple organ damage and was removed from the intensive care unit 14 days after the onset. The cardiac abnormalities had normalized within several days without any damage to the myocardium. Q waves were not detected in any lead in the ECG. When interpreting ST-T elevation in the ECG of a heat stroke patient, caution should be used so as to not misdiagnose it as an acute myocardial infarction.
Related Concept Videos
Homeostatic Imbalances in Body Temperature
Increased Body Temperature
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
