CLINICAL MEDICINE ECG Diagnosis: Hypothermia

Figure 1. 12-lead ECG from a man, age 38 years, with somnolence, altered mental status and core body temperature of 86°F (30°C) Demonstrates sinus bradycardia with a ventricular rate of 52 beats/minute, with Osborn (J) waves at the terminal junction of the QRS complexes, consistent with severe hypothermia. Figure 2. 12-lead ECG from same patient following rewarming to a core body temperature of 92°F (33.3°C) Demonstrates a normal sinus rhythm with a ventricular rate of 75 beats/minute, with resolution of the Osborn waves. An Osborn wave (also referred to as the J wave) is a characteristic ECG finding for hypothermia con-sisting of an extra deflection on the ECG at the terminal junction of the QRS complex and the beginning o