• R Demaria, J M Frapier, J Valat, B Albat, T Aymard, N Geoffroy, C Godard, M Bodino, P Rouvière, and P A Chaptal.
• Service de Chirurgie thoracique et cardio-vasculaire Hôpital Amaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier.
• Presse Med. 1998 Apr 11;27(14):664-6.

BackgroundSevere accidental hypothermia with central temperature below 28 degrees C can result from prolonged cold exposure and lead to a fatal outcome by spontaneous or provoked ventricular fibrillation.Case ReportThree patients were referred for central temperature below 24 degrees C. At admission, the patients had major ventricular rythm disorders (two were in a state of circulatory arrest and the third had auricular fibrillation and circulatory collapse). Emergency care associated internal warning using extracorporeal circulation via the femoro-femoral route with a centrifuge pump. Outcome was favorable in 2 cases.DiscussionPrognosis is very poor in patients who experience severe accidental hypothermia (< 28 degrees C) with circulatory collapse. Death often results from major rhythm disorders. Optimal emergency rewarming and oxygenation using extracorporeal circulatory assistance can be successful.

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