Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2004; 52(3): 185-186
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-817980
Short Communication

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Unusual Complications After Rewarming for Deep Accidental Hypothermia

M. Vionnet1 , X. Mueller1 , L. K. von Segesser1
  • 1Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
Further Information

Publication History

Received July 17, 2003

Publication Date:
11 June 2004 (online)

Abstract

Deep accidental hypothermia is an uncommon pathology. Successful management has been reported in isolated cases, but the majority of patients die from complications after rewarming. We report on a patient with deep accidental hypothermia after a mountaineering accident. He was successfully rewarmed with cardiopulmonary bypass, but presented several complications which led to death. These complications included the patient developing acute peritonitis and necrotizing fasciitis, which represent, to our knowledge, complications that have never been associated with deep accidental hypothermia before.

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M. D. Michel Vionnet

Service de Chirurgie générale
Hôpital cantonal

1708 Fribourg

Switzerland

Phone: + 41264267206

Fax: + 41 2 64 26 72 15

Email: vionnetm@hopcantfr.ch