Induced by infection? A case of acute myocardial infarction with hypothermia

Abstract

A 52-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. On arrival, his body temperature was <35°C. Although his other vital signs and electrocardiographic findings were normal, his white blood cell count and C-reactive protein concentration were elevated. He was diagnosed with severe infectious disease and treated with intravenous antibiotics and rewarming therapy. Two hours later, his body temperature had increased to 38.4°C, but his abdominal pain persisted. A repeat electrocardiographic examination showed an elevated ST-segment in leads II, III, and aVF. He was then diagnosed with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography showed occlusion of the right coronary artery, and he underwent implantation of two stents. His symptoms were relieved soon thereafter, and his body temperature returned to normal without antibiotics.