Hypothermia: Brain Death

Report:

Sinus rhythm 57/min

Early transition

J waves consistent with hypothermia

Prolonged QT interval 0.55”

QTc 0.54”

Borderline ST segment elevation

Comment:

The rate is relatively fast and there is no evidence of tremor: the patient was brain-dead. Her temperature at the time of the ECG recording was 31oC. It is noteworthy that cerebral damage can produce J waves in the absence of hypothermia192. Prolonged QT interval is itself commonly due to cerebral injury, like in Case 258. Little in ECGs is specific.

She was warmed up to 36oC and pronounced dead – “warm and dead”.

261. 72 year old lady with congestive cardiomyopathy, recently started on sotalol for VT

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