Severe heat stroke with multiorgan failure following collapse in a sauna

BMJ Case Rep. 2025 Jan 7;18(1):e262069. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2024-262069.

Abstract

Heat stroke is characterised by hyperthermia and acute encephalopathy. We describe a rare case of classical heat stroke secondary to prolonged sauna use with multiorgan sequelae including seizures, liver injury, kidney injury, disseminated intravascular coagulation, rhabdomyolysis and type 2 myocardial infarction. The patient was treated with external cooling, intravenous fluid therapy and blood products, and made a full recovery without need for advanced organ support. We discuss the evidence base surrounding the immediate treatment of heat stroke in the emergency department.

Keywords: Emergency medicine; Liver disease; Resuscitation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / etiology
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / therapy
  • Fluid Therapy
  • Heat Stroke* / complications
  • Heat Stroke* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Organ Failure* / etiology
  • Rhabdomyolysis / diagnosis
  • Rhabdomyolysis / etiology
  • Rhabdomyolysis / therapy
  • Steam Bath* / adverse effects