A Rare Case of Hypothermia-Induced ST Segment Elevation

Prompt recognition of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is critical as it has significant management and outcome implications, often leading to emergent cardiac catheterization for revascularization. However, other conditions such as pulmonary embolism, myocarditis, hyperkalemia, hy...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2021-07, Vol.13 (7)
Main Authors: Forlemu, Arnold N, Sarma, Hursh, Khatib, Mohammad
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cardiology
Emergency Medicine
Internal Medicine
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Summary:Prompt recognition of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is critical as it has significant management and outcome implications, often leading to emergent cardiac catheterization for revascularization. However, other conditions such as pulmonary embolism, myocarditis, hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia, hypothermia, drug overdose, septic shock, left bundle branch block, left ventricular aneurysm, pericarditis, Brugada syndrome, and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy can mimic this presentation on electrocardiography (EKG) and need to be recognized to avoid unnecessary procedures and improve treatment outcomes. We report a case of prominent Osborn waves on EKG from significant hypothermia incorrectly labeled as STEMI. We also provide a literature review on EKG manifestations of hypothermia and the mechanism of those changes, the differential diagnoses of ST segment elevation and their management.
ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.16365