Journal of Medical Case Reports (Jul 2009)

Myocardial damage after prolonged accidental hypothermia: a case report

  • Siniorakis Eftychios,
  • Arvanitakis Spyridon,
  • Roulia Georgia,
  • Voutas Petros,
  • Karidis Constantinos

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4076/1752-1947-3-8459
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3, no. 1
p. 8459

Abstract

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Abstract Introduction A case of cardiac toxicity due to prolonged hypothermia is reported. Case presentation A 42-year-old woman of Caucasian origin presented with hypothermia after an accident. She developed atrial fibrillation and heart failure with minor electrocardiographic changes, which mimicked ischaemia. She recovered completely after one month of treatment for heart failure. Conclusion Prolonged hypothermia, which mimicks ischaemia, may cause arrhythmias and heart failure.