Hypothermia-induced ECG changes: characteristic, but not specific

Hypothermia-induced J-orso-called Osborn waves can be detected under therapeutic hypothermia in approximately 20-40% of cases. The occurrence of J-waves in the context of the targeted temperature management after cardiopulmonary resuscitation is characteristic, but not pathognomonic for hypothermia. An electrocardiographic diagnosis under hypothermia after cardiac arrest should always be done with caution due to the various hypothermia-associated electromechanical changes of the myocardium.