Title: Prominent J wave (Osborn wave) with coincidental hypothermia in a 64-year-old woman.
Abstract: A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was obtained in a 64-year-old woman whose body temperature was 32°C. The ECG showed sinus bradycardia with a prolonged PR interval, a prolonged QRS complex, a prolonged QT interval, and a prominent J wave that was distinguishable in all leads (Fig. 1). Forty-eight hours later, after the patient had been rewarmed to 37°C, an ECG showed progressive normalization of the sinus rate, QT normalization, and a decrease in the amplitude and duration of the J waves (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1 A 12-lead electrocardiogram obtained at a body temperature of 32°C. Note Osborn waves, which have an extra deflection at the end of the QRS complex.
Fig. 2 A 12-lead electrocardiogram obtained 48 hours later—after rewarming of the patient to 37°C—is normal.
Osborn waves, also known as J waves, camel-hump waves, or hypothermic waves, are best seen in the inferior and lateral precordial leads. They become more prominent as the body temperature decreases, and they resolve gradually with rewarming.1
Publication Year: 2005
Publication Date: 2005-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['pubmed']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 6
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