A Rare Case of Hypothermia-Induced ST Segment Elevation
Arnold N Forlemu1, Hursh Sarma1, Mohammad Khatib1
1Internal Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Phoenix, USA.
Cureus
|August 16, 2021
Summary
Recognizing hypothermia
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requires prompt recognition for critical management and improved outcomes, often necessitating emergent cardiac catheterization.
- Numerous conditions can mimic STEMI on electrocardiography (EKG), including pulmonary embolism, myocarditis, and hypothermia, necessitating accurate diagnosis to avoid unnecessary interventions.
Observation:
- This report details a case where prominent Osborn waves on EKG, indicative of significant hypothermia, were mistakenly diagnosed as STEMI.
- The case highlights the potential for hypothermia to present with EKG findings that mimic acute myocardial infarction.
Findings:
- The study reviews the EKG manifestations of hypothermia, elucidating the underlying mechanisms of these changes.
- Differential diagnoses for ST segment elevation are discussed, emphasizing the importance of considering hypothermia in the differential.
Implications:
- Accurate identification of hypothermia's EKG changes is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis of STEMI and avoid inappropriate cardiac catheterization.
- Understanding these mimics improves patient management, optimizes treatment strategies, and enhances overall patient outcomes in critical care settings.
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