# Detecting Subtle Osborn Waves in Hypothermia: A Case Report

**Authors:** Ashot Batikyan, Shiny Teja Kolli, Minas Sakellakis, Aleksan Khachatryan, Hakob Harutyunyan, Vahagn Tamazyan

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.67090 · 2024-08-17

## TL;DR

This case report describes subtle Osborn waves in a hypothermic patient and their resolution after rewarming.

## Contribution

The report highlights the subtlety of Osborn waves in hypothermia and emphasizes the importance of careful management.

## Key findings

- Subtle J waves were observed in a hypothermic patient with a temperature of 87.9°F.
- Osborn waves resolved after rewarming, indicating their association with hypothermia.
- Continuous monitoring is essential to prevent arrhythmias and cardiac arrest in hypothermic patients.

## Abstract

J waves, or Osborn waves, are a notable EKG finding in hypothermia, often appearing as prominent deflections but sometimes manifesting subtly. We report a 78-year-old female with moderate hypothermia (87.9°F) presenting with sinus bradycardia and subtle J waves on her EKG. After rewarming, these J waves resolved. Hypothermia management should prioritize gentle handling to avoid arrhythmias and ensure rapid rewarming during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Continuous monitoring is crucial, as J waves can indicate a higher risk of ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** arrhythmias (MESH:D001145), ventricular fibrillation (MESH:D014693), bradycardia (MESH:D001919), Hypothermia (MESH:D007035), cardiac arrest (MESH:D006323)

## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11405059/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11405059