[Non-hypothermic J wave in subarachnoid hemorrhage]

Abstract

Incidence of electrocardiographic abnormalities in subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to aneurysm rupture is 50-100%. The most frequent electrocardiographic abnormalities described include acuminated, inverted or flat T waves, inverted T waves associated with prolonged QT interval, positive or negative ST segment levels, prominent U waves, PR segment enlargement, acuminated P waves, and pathologic Q waves. J point is the isoelectric union of QRS complex with ST segment. It represents the end of depolarization and the beginning of repolarization. Prominent and positive J point level is named J wave, considered pathognomonic of severe hypothermia, although it has also been described in other clinical entities not associated with hypothermia, such as hypercalcemia, Brugada syndrome, acute brain injury, cardiac arrest, and dysfunction of cervical sympathetic system. Non-hypothermic J wave is an infrequent electrocardiographic manifestation of subarachnoid hemorrhage. We describe a clinical case of non-hypothermic J wave in a patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage.