Heatstroke in the super-sized athlete
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

A Preclinical Model of Exertional Heat Stroke in Mice
Published on: July 1, 2021
Ericka Fink1, Barbara W Brandom, Klaus D Torp
1Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Abstract:
We present a 16-year-old male athlete with hyperthermia, altered mental status, and respiratory distress during summer football practice. Multisystem organ failure ensued, which he survived. Malignant hyperthermia was suspected in this patient who had a history of rhabdomyolysis. Specific muscle contracture testing later eliminated this diagnosis. This case discusses the importance of rapid hydration with isonatremic fluid, aggressive cooling, and full support measures, including plasmapheresis, further diagnostic efforts to evaluate potential causes of rhabdomyolysis, and planning for physical and emotional rehabilitation.
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