Ischemic electrocardiographic changes and elevated troponin from severe heatstroke in an adolescent.

BACKGROUND

Heatstroke can result in significant diffuse tissue derangement, which can result in multiple organ system dysfunction. The heart can equally be affected and ischemia and infarction may occur.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to present the potential complications from heatstroke to the myocardium.

CASE: A case of a 15-year-old adolescent boy who collapsed after playing football in a hot summer day was found to be hyperthermic and poorly perfused. He had ischemic electrocardiographic changes and elevated cardiac enzymes but with normal coronary arteries.

CONCLUSIONS

Heatstroke can lead to morbidity and mortality. Tissue damage during heatstroke is believed to result from uncoupling during oxidative phosphorylation. It is important to realize that heart damage can occur from heatstroke and that appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures are required for a good outcome.