Heatstroke: a life-threatening condition that presents with hyperthermia > 40°C (104°F) and central nervous system dysfunction (e.g., altered mental status).
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Clinical features
- Hot, potentially dry skin
- Body temperature > 40°C (104°F)
- Musculoskeletal features: tender, rigid, limp, or cramping muscles
- Central nervous system
- Delirium, hallucinations
- Loss of consciousness
- Convulsions
- Tremors
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Could lead to DIC
- Thermal injury caused by heatstroke leads to inflammation of the vascular endothelium, which activates the coagulation cascade.