ECG Changes During Induced Hypothermia After Cardiac Arrest

Abstract

Scenario: These ECG strips are from a 56-year-old man brought to the emergency department after sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Approximately 7 minutes had elapsed before life support was provided. His initial rhythm was ventricular fibrillation, which returned to sinus rhythm after defibrillation. The patient received routine post-SCA treatment and hypothermia was induced to improve cerebral resuscitation. The top strip was obtained in the emergency department before hypothermia was induced (core temperature, 37.2oC). The bottom strip was obtained in the intensive care unit after several hours of induced hypothermia therapy (core temperature, 33°C). ECG PUZZLER A regular feature of the American Journal of Critical Care, the ECG Puzzler addresses ECG interpretation for clinical practice. We welcome letters to the Editors regarding this feature.