The Osborn wave of hypothermia in normothermic patients

Clin Cardiol. 1994 May;17(5):273-6. doi: 10.1002/clc.4960170511.

Abstract

The Osborn wave (also referred to as "the J wave," "the J deflection," or "the camel's hump") is a distinctive deflection occurring at the QRS-ST junction of approximately 80% of hypothermic patients (core body temperature < or = 95 degrees F). Generally, the amplitude and duration of Osborn waves are inversely related to core temperature. We report on eight normothermic patients whose 12-lead electrocardiograms demonstrated QRS-ST junction notches similar to those seen in hypothermia. These data support the concept that the Osborn wave is not pathognomonic of hypothermia.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Angina Pectoris / chemically induced
  • Angina Pectoris / physiopathology
  • Body Temperature / physiology*
  • Chest Pain / physiopathology
  • Cocaine
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Female
  • Haloperidol / poisoning
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / physiopathology
  • Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / physiopathology
  • Hypothermia / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Infarction / physiopathology
  • Substance-Related Disorders

Substances

  • Cocaine
  • Haloperidol