PATIENT CONCERNS: A 37-year-old construction worker was brought in by his wife and coworker due to a sudden loss of consciousness while resting after completing his work.
DIAGNOSES: Due to challenges faced during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, as well as language barriers, a detailed history from the coworker who witnessed the patient's altered sensorium was not available. He was initially suspected of having encephalitis and brainstem stroke. However, subsequent investigations revealed multiorgan dysfunction with a normal brain computed tomography and cerebral computed tomography angiogram. In view of the multiple risk factors for heat stroke, pupillary constriction, and urine color suggestive of rhabdomyolysis, a diagnosis of heat stroke was made.
INTERVENTIONS: Despite delayed diagnosis, the patient's multiorgan dysfunction recovered within days with basic supportive care.
OUTCOMES: There were no noticeable complications on follow-up 14 months later.
LESSONS: Heat stroke can be easily confused with other neurological pathologies, particularly if no history can be obtained from the patient or informant. When approaching a comatose patient, we propose that serum creatinine kinase should be considered as an initial biochemical screening test.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted at the OMFS Unit, Hospital USM, Kelantan, Malaysia. From 12 June 2013 to 31 December 2015, 473 patient records with MFF were reviewed to evaluate the association of THI and MFF.
RESULTS: A total of 331 patients (69.98%) presented with concomitant THI. The most common associated THI were cranial bone fractures (68.6%) followed by intracranial injuries and concussion. A significant association existed between the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score and the presence of THI concomitant MFF with P-value