Fatal heatstroke after a short march at night: a case report

A case of heatstroke is reported in a young recruit who participated in a 4-km march at night. Body temperature was not measured at the time of collapse. Hyperventilation and aggressive behavior misled to the incorrect diagnosis of hysteric reaction. Upon arrival at the Medical Center 4h later, the patient experienced deep coma, renal failure, shock, and uncontrolled bleeding. Inspite of intensive treatment, the patient died 27 h after collapse. A positive blood culture suggests the involvement of septicemia in the fulminant picture of the disease. The importance of immediate measurement of rectal temperature in any case of collapse after exercise is emphasized.