Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
08:22
In vitro Assessment of Myocardial Protection following Hypothermia-Preconditioning in a Human Cardiac Myocytes Model
Published on: October 27, 2020
A Reversible ECG Signature of Hypothermia
Jacopo Costantino1, Daniele Porcelli2, Barbara Romani2
1Department of Cardiology, Ospedale San Pietro Fatebenefratelli, Rome, Italy; Department of Medical and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
JACC. Case Reports
|May 26, 2026
Summary
Severe hypothermia can cause specific electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, such as Osborn waves and QT prolongation. These reversible ECG abnormalities in hypothermia patients often normalize with rewarming.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Accidental hypothermia presents with unique electrocardiogram (ECG) findings that can indicate risk for arrhythmias.
- Hypothermia-induced ECG changes may be reversible with appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case study illustrating the diagnostic and prognostic significance of ECG abnormalities in accidental hypothermia.
- To highlight the pathophysiology and reversibility of hypothermia-related ECG findings.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 31-year-old homeless male admitted with severe accidental hypothermia.
- Analysis of admission ECG showing sinus bradycardia, prominent Osborn (J) waves, and marked QT prolongation.
- Monitoring of ECG changes during active rewarming and supportive care.
Main Results:
- The patient's ECG demonstrated classic hypothermia-associated abnormalities, including Osborn waves and QT prolongation.
- No underlying metabolic, toxic, or structural cardiac causes were identified.
- Complete normalization of ECG findings occurred within 48 hours of rewarming.
Conclusions:
- Accidental hypothermia can cause distinct and reversible ECG changes, such as Osborn waves and QT prolongation.
- These ECG abnormalities resolve with rewarming, underscoring the importance of recognizing hypothermia as a reversible cause.
- ECG monitoring is crucial in managing hypothermia patients to detect and track these characteristic changes.
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