Survival in a heat stroke victim with a core temperature in excess of 46.5 C

Presented is a case report of a 52-year-old male heat stroke victim. The patient presented in deep coma with a temperature above 42 C. Following rapid assessment, the patient was intubated, rehydration was begun, and he was externally cooled with ice bags and internally cooled with ice water gastric lavage. After 25 minutes the patient's core temperature was measured at 46.5 C (115.7 F). Multiple organ system failure developed over the ensuing days. With aggressive care, the patient improved dramatically and was discharged at prior baseline status on the 24th day of hospitalization. This case now represents the highest human body temperature elevation reported without permanent residua.